Few goals have yielded a bigger reaction on and off the field this year than Dylan Shiel’s first as a Bomber in Essendon’s tough seven-point victory over Fremantle on Saturday.

After eight goalless games to start the season, Shiel’s struggles on the scoreboard had become somewhat of a talking point, but it was put to bed in style with a classy finish on the run at Marvel Stadium.

The faithful Essendon fans erupted as the ball sailed through the goals, while the Bombers flocked to their prized new teammate in brilliant scenes as the side gained the ascendency early into the final term of the crucial match.

“It was great to get on the board,” Shiel said post-match.

“It was sort of a bit of a running joke that I couldn’t get one earlier in the year, so the boys certainly got around me and made me feel really good about it.”

A second goal soon after showed Shiel had removed his shackles in front of goal, adding to another sensational performance where he also gathered 25 disposals, five tackles, four clearances and four inside 50s.

He was a key catalyst in Essendon’s strong burst in the second half, helping the Dons break open what had been a dour affair as the side drew 26 points clear of the Dockers midway through the final term.

But Fremantle showed plenty of fight to make a late charge towards an unlikely win.

Shiel said he was confident the rewards would come for the Bombers after a messy start.

“I was pretty confident, but it certainly got tested in that last five minutes from Freo who was starting to surge on us. I was pretty relieved when the siren went, that’s for sure.

“It’s hard as a player, sometimes you’re so absorbed in the game that you’re not sure what the spectacle looks like.

“I was just rapt to get a win. To be honest, I couldn’t care less what the game looked like, we just got a win and now I’m ready to enjoy it.”

The Bombers trailed narrowly for clearances (33 to 35) and inside 50s (50 to 56), but showed great fight in the clinches to finish in front for contested ball (165 to 159).

Shiel was proud of the effort from the on-ball brigade against Fremantle’s star-studded midfield and he singled out the important role played by teammate Jake Stringer on Docker Nat Fyfe.

“They’ve got some terrific players, Freo, everyone knows that. It was going to take a team effort to really combat that.

“I was really impressed with Stringer coming in and doing a really good role for us on Fyfe at stoppages.

“We’ll review the game and I’ll probably have better answers later in the week, but I’m just super excited at the moment.”

Jake Stringer clears the ball past Fremantle star Nat Fyfe at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. (Image: AFL Photos)

Shiel was full of praise for key defender Michael Hurley, who continued his sensational form with 23 disposals, nine intercept possessions, seven rebound 50s, seven one percenters and six marks in another impressive performance from the defensive unit.

“Michael Hurley was terrific, he’s been probably the most consistent player for us this year and he certainly leads the way back there for us.”

The Bombers will face their next challenge when they take on Richmond in the Dreamtime at the G clash next Saturday at the MCG.