Growing up a stone’s throw from Windy Hill, it only made sense that Bess Keaney would eventually end up in red and black.

In her first year as a Bomber, the 32-year-old has made instant impact as both a versatile wing option and a beacon of experience around the club, named into the leadership group after just one pre-season.

A unique and determined entry into the AFLW system that began at the age of 28 via the SUNS after missing out on selection in five previous national drafts, Keaney is now relishing the week-to-week dream of plying her trade for the club she’s supported from day one.

“First of all, I’m a Bombers supporter since I was a kid, so that part of (moving clubs) was very easy,” Keaney told afl.com.au’s Credit to the Girls podcast.

“My whole family, Lucas (my husband)’s whole family are Bombers, so that part was very appealing. Also, the ability to join the club and the position they’re at, really taking those steps forward to be a challenger was exciting as well.”

The allure of playing at the club’s spiritual home in Windy Hill was always felt from afar for Keaney, especially given her ties to the area through her childhood as an Essendon Hockey Club junior and avid Bombers fan.

The home ground advantage was felt on Friday afternoon, where the Dons produced their best four-quarter performance of the season to defeat Melbourne by 65 points – the biggest margin of victory in their three-year AFLW history so far.

Not only does ‘the Hill’ bring back a sense of nostalgia for Keaney, but also a glimpse of the future with the impact of the current squad.

“It’s phenomenal, I think the AFLW team does mean a lot to Essendon supporters, the place of Windy Hill means a lot as well,” Keaney said.

“It’s really special to be able to come back and activate that space that maybe hasn’t been as tied to Essendon (for a few years) as it is now and it looms large in the Essendon consciousness.

“To see billboards of the players near Essendon station or see the mural of Maddy Prespakis out front, it’s pretty cool to think that the women’s team are bringing back such a big part of this Essendon identity to the local area.”

Another key element of Keaney’s move to Essendon has been her connection with a new group of teammates.

Given the insertion of youth into the Bombers’ list via the draft this year, coming in as an experienced head can make for an interesting integration period but Keaney’s embraced it instantly.

“I was looking at Amy Gaylor, Emily Gough and Chloe Adams like ‘I wonder who’s more nervous, them or me?’ They’re coming in at year seven, but I’m coming in at year 12,” Keaney said.

“You’ve come from a place where you’ve got good relationships and they’re established and know you’re putting yourself in a position where you’re going to make them all again from scratch.

“It’s been a change, change is always challenging as well, but with where I’m at now, I feel like it’s been a good decision.

“Like I said, I couldn’t be happier and the longer you get to know and spend time around that group, they really become like your family. I was nervous but it’s been really good so far.”

Day-to-day, the energy keeps lifting for the side as games continue to roll on in their third year at the level.

Now with a front row seat, Keaney’s excited by the prospects of the other young leaders around her beginning to pave their way.

“I’ve heard (moving clubs) likened to having new toys to play with,” Keaney said.

“I knew how skillful some of them were (from playing against them last year), you get to come in and train with them and you’re just blown away.

“I knew that the leadership at Essendon was in good hands (with Bonnie (Toogood) and ‘Caino’ (Steph Cain). To get voted in this year and round out that leadership group has been a real privilege but it doesn’t really change much about what we do.

“There’s great emerging leadership coming through.”