Responded the right way.

Following Essendon’s disappointing home defeat in their AFLW season opener against Fremantle last week, an increase in overall effort and intensity drove a convincing 16-point win over the Eagles on Saturday afternoon.

Despite missing Bonnie Toogood, Amber Clarke and late withdrawal Georgia Gee to respective injuries, the Bombers saw terrific output from a mix of youth and experience, with midfielder Maddy Prespakis’ 27-disposal effort a standout.

For Prespakis, the mentality of bouncing back started right at the beginning of the week, with the playing group’s mindset never wavering.

“We had some hard learnings to overcome throughout the week and we probably didn’t shy away from that,” Prespakis said.

“We rocked up on Monday and came with a really positive mindset of being able to review what didn’t go so right for us (last week) and to be able to bounce back this week is really impressive, especially for such a young group.

“It’s well documented we’re a few troops down (at the moment) but the girls responded really well, the girls that did come in took their opportunities.

“I think everyone just had a real crack today.”

Among the inclusions, Lily-Rose Williamson stood up with a maiden AFLW goal in her first game for nearly two years, while debutant Chloe Adams also snared a major on debut after coming in as a late call-up.

The work ethic and character of Adams has been apparent for Prespakis in the early days, reflective of the sturdy mindset from the club’s emerging talents.

“The younger girls stood up especially today,” Prespakis said.

“When (Adams) got drafted, she said she couldn’t wait to play with me but I just couldn’t wait to play with her. I think she’s a really bright talent, she’s got a really long future with us hopefully and she’s come into the program professional from day one.

“She also took not being selected last week really well, it just shows the player and person she is. I’m really excited to be her teammate, have her work close with me and I hope the Bomber fans got a bit of a glimpse of what she can do. We’re rapt to have her.”

With a matchup against an in-form Saints outfit awaiting the Dons this week, the squad are fired up to return to Windy Hill in winning form.

“We want to make a bit of a statement coming back to our home ground this week. Get on down there (to Windy Hill),” Prespakis said.