A year of progression.

Following a challenging 0-4 run to open their 2024 campaign, Essendon VFL stuck to their guns throughout the season in a gradual build, eventually piecing together their best season record since 2019 (an even 9-9).

With young talent beginning to blossom, experienced local-level stars making the jump to VFL and a group of AFL-listed Dons bolstering the side around the ground, a stellar run of six wins from the final seven games capped off the season in strong fashion.

Reflecting on their season, there were some thrilling victories and individual efforts to celebrate.

Round five: Dons snap streak in Anzac Round

Following the mentioned 0-4 start to the year, the Dons entered round five’s clash against Collingwood at Victoria Park in real need of a spark.

A run of six unanswered third term goals blew out the margin to 31 points in the Dons’ favour by the main change, producing some of their best footy of the season.

Having now led at half-time in four of their first five games, second half fadeouts had been an early trend the Bombers were keen to eradicate, but a five-goal third term from the Pies brought the game to within touching distance by the final break.

After a see-sawing start to the last quarter, experience paid off as Matt Guelfi stood up in his return game from injury with two goal assists and the late sealer, spurring joyous celebrations from the Dons’ camp.

Round eight: Roos ragdolled at Windy Hill

Building in confidence, the Bombers marked their first fixture at Windy Hill with a big 51-point win over North Melbourne.

Headlined by a monstrous outing from ruck Nick Bryan (40 hit-outs, 25 disposals, 15 clearances and two goals), the Dons took to the sloppy conditions with ease and led convincingly at each change, limiting the Roos to just two goals by three-quarter-time.

Unsung forward Jack Peris’ manic pressure was a feature all year and he got it clicking in this fixture, finishing with 25 touches and 12 tackles to cause the away side serious headaches.

Jackson Hately, Jared Eckersley, Nate Caddy and Campbell Gray all registered multiple goals on the day as the Bombers gave themselves a welcome boost leading into the second half of the season.

Round 11: A comeback to remember

Trailing by 41 points against Carlton on a torrid day at Windy Hill, their round 11 fixture held an inspired second half for the Dons.

Bombers fans were beginning to see signs of what was to come for Nate Caddy, the forward slotting three majors of his own to provide a sure target in the wet weather while skipper Xavier O’Neill powered his way through with 33 disposals.

In just his second game for the club, a four-goal burst from Saad El-Hawli turned the game on its head in the third quarter as the home side piled on seven of 10 goals for the term, bringing the crowd into the contest.

In a tense, desperate final term, it was a clutch effort from Bailey Scott and a moment of individual brilliance from Tex Wanganeen which secured the result - a thrilling three-point home win.

Rounds 14-21: Six out of seven ain’t bad

Returning home after a tight three-goal loss to reigning premiers Gold Coast interstate, the Bombers knew they weren’t far away from finding their groove.

A six-goal win over the Pies in round 14 gave a welcome response – midfielder Elijah Tsatas (38 disposals, 11 clearances) continued his strong form and Jack Jedwab slotted five goals in a career-best outing on his birthday.

After a gritty win over Port Melbourne and an away defeat to Casey, the final four games provided a chance for the Dons to round out 2024 on a positive note.

With a boosted midfield including Ben Hobbs and Will Setterfield, an improved contested ball game kept driving results including a tough five-point win over Sandringham on home deck.

Off the back of stellar VFL form, Caddy and Archie Roberts earned AFL debuts, opening up more opportunities around the ground.

Tom Toma and Oskar Smartt returned in the back end of the year to good effect, while Bendigo under-18 prospect Jobe Shanahan showcased solid goalkicking form across the final three games.

Finishing the year with four consecutive victories, the Bombers showed that their best could match it with the better sides in 2024, a base they’ll be keen to build from in 2025.