Dynamic Essendon forward Orazio Fantasia said the results from the side’s thrilling 18-point defeat of Melbourne are “priceless”.

It was an important win for the Bombers after two losses in the opening fortnight of the season as the team showed remarkable fight in the face of adversity against last year’s preliminary finalist.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Midfielder Kobe Mutch suffered a hamstring injury just 10 minutes into the match and star on-baller Devon Smith was off the ground for 20 minutes in the second term due to a concussion test, but the Dons still proved too strong.

Fantasia joined Smith in welcoming back the fun of football after the brave win, which was a first in the red and black for new Bombers Dylan Shiel and Zac Clarke. 

“That was fun, that was the monkey off the back,” Fantasia said post-game.

“Just that enjoyment throughout the whole team, the excitement, singing the song, seeing that smile on Dylan Shiel and Zac Clarke’s faces – that’s priceless.”

Having sustained a finger injury in the off-season, Fantasia admitted it took some time to recapture his best form, but he did just that on Friday.

He displayed textbook dash and skill throughout the contest, finishing with an impressive 21 disposals, 10 marks, four inside 50s and two goals.

“I think the first couple of games, even in the JLT, I was just a bit rusty.

“To get a few marks tonight was a lot better.”

While the Bombers booted 20 goals, Fantasia said there is still room for improvement in the front half.

“I don’t think that’s as well as we can perform, we can still touch up on a few entries and things like that, but it was really, really good.”

Shaun McKernan, Jake Stringer and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti each booted four goals and Fantasia was particularly taken by the latter’s spectacular goal in the opening term.

“Walla kicked one from the bloody front row. Perfect.”

Essendon will look to make it two wins on the trot when it faces an in-form Brisbane line-up next Saturday at the MCG.

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