Slotting back in seamlessly.

Essendon’s bout of AFLW match simulation against Hawthorn marked a welcome return for a fan-favourite Bomber in Daria Bannister.

Following a lengthy recovery from an ACL tear last October, the livewire forward’s first game back against external opposition finished with a couple of goals and her typical front-half pressure was a standout.

“I’m personally feeling super good to be back with the team,” Bannister said post-game.

“They’ve all been super encouraging coming out into my first hit-out against an opposition, so it was a really good day.

“It’s definitely been a long journey but I’ve had amazing support around me. Coming into training, everyone’s been really good, keeping me up to scratch with all the gameplan stuff and it’s just been nice to gel with the team again.

Teammates were quick to swarm the 25-year-old after her first goal in one of the highlights from a promising day for the Bombers, who got into gear nicely at different stages against the Hawks.

After some admitted nerves heading back into her first unofficial game of the campaign, Bannister was relieved to be amongst the action again.

“It’s obviously a lonely thing being on the sidelines doing rehab but everyone’s been incredible and I’m so happy to be back,” Bannister said.

“I was so nervous coming into today, it’s been a while, so to come out and kick a snag, everyone get around me like they did, it was an incredible feeling.

“We were able to execute a lot of things we’ve been working on, we took risks and I think coming into the season it’s going to be really exciting.”