Round one saw the Hawks take home the four points, but there were plenty of positives for the Bombers to take into next week with a number of players contributing well.

Jye Caldwell

A clear standout from start to finish for the Bombers.

Caldwell finished with a career-high 36 disposals, 11 tackles, 476 metres gained, five centre clearances, 17 contested possessions and 11 score involvements in an industrious effort.

Despite an interrupted pre-season, the 23-year-old showed no signs of it in a gritty performance. Senior Coach Brad Scott lauded Caldwell post-game.

“I thought Caldwell was outstanding. I think he’s really elevated his game, he was playing on some good Hawthorn mids and he really lifted us at various stages," Scott said.

Sam Draper

With a big pre-season under his belt, Draper highlighted his importance to the side in a ruck combination with Nick Bryan.

Allowing Draper more time to impact up forward and create plenty of contests inside 50, the big man constantly created chances for the Bombers' small forwards. He finished with 25 hit-outs, 14 contested possessions, 5 clearances and a late goal to start his season in solid fashion.

Zach Merrett

As always from the skipper, Merrett was again leading from the front.

Finishing with 26 disposals, two goals, 472 metres gained, seven score involvements and two goal assists, Merrett continues to be a pillar for the Dons - his ripping boundary line goal in the second term gave his troops a huge lift. 

Archie Perkins

Despite a relatively quiet first half, Perkins grew into the game and finished strong.

His lift up the ground was a key reason for the Bombers staying in the hunt after the main break - he tallied 19 disposals, seven contested possessions, seven score involvements and a goal in just the second half alone and it should provide him with good confidence leading into next week's clash with the Crows.

Xavier Duursma

With his second season underway at the Bombers, Duursma continues to gain confidence and showcase the week-to-week effort that's endeared him to the Dons faithful.

With his dash and flair on the wing, Duursma not only provides the Bombers a marking target but he's just as important when the ball hits the ground. Duursma finished with 19 touches, seven tackles, five score involvements and five intercept possessions in a well-rounded effort.

Sam Durham

Everything you've come to expect from Durham was on display in round one.

The midfielder was again in the Bombers best players and a tenacious hunter of the footy throughout the night - he finished with 23 disposals (17 of those contested) and four clearances.

Essendon now turns its attention to Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.