In 2019 we will be looking back on five key lessons to take away from every Bombers match, thanks to RMIT.

This time we look into Essendon's tough 10-point victory over Sydney at the MCG on Saturday.

1. Ugly wins can be beautiful

It was far from a pretty game, but the Bombers once again showed that they are capable of grinding out a gritty win over a strong opponent, backing up their impressive display in the final term against Greater Western Sydney just over a week earlier.

While skill errors from both teams were a bit of a theme for a large portion of the game, Essendon’s ability to break out of that rut and bust the game open in the final term was an encouraging sight.

There were also some little gems scattered throughout the game, from Andrew McGrath’s unbelievable kick into the corridor to David Zaharakis (more on that below) to Orazio Fantasia’s stunning snap under pressure in the third term.

Football is not always going to be flawless, so being able to chip away at the opposition and keep fighting to the line is a crucial part of becoming a top side.

Winning an arm wrestle isn’t easy and we are beginning to witness some real maturity from the Dons this year.

2. McGrath is taking the next step

As mentioned above, McGrath’s sizzling pass over four heads and straight into the arms of Zaharakis – who subsequently converted his shot from the 50m arch – was one of the biggest highlights of the victory.

The young Bomber went on to be one of the key catalysts of the side’s powerful finish, maintaining his typical run and carry when so many other players were running on empty.

He had eight disposals and three inside 50s in the final term as he became a vital link between defence and attack.

Fellow young Bomber Darcy Parish, who also stood up with the game on the line in the last quarter, said it is great to be a part of such an exciting young midfield group alongside McGrath.

“We’ve got a great little group in there that brings a lot of energy and intent around the ball, so hopefully we can just keep strong together, really build on our consistency throughout the team and hold our spots,” Parish said.

The young Bombers have been outstanding in recent weeks. (Image: AFL Photos)

3. Group or not, you can still be a leader

There was a lot on the line when the Bombers entered three-quarter time with a three-point deficit and inspirational captain Dyson Heppell was not there to deliver one final message to his side.

In his absence, a number of senior Bombers stood up to lead the way and star Bomber Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti particularly lauded the leadership of Zaharakis, the club’s most experienced player.

In his 201st game, Zaharakis was outstanding with 22 disposals, five inside 50s, three goals and a goal assist, but his effort in maintaining the focus of the side at the final change was just as impressive.

“For us, the message was to flush those three quarters,” McDonald-Tipungwuti said after the game.

“Zacka was one of the good leaders who came out and said, ‘Okay boys, three quarters are done and let’s focus on the last quarter and what we can control’.

“I thought that was great from him and the boys really responded to that.”

Zaharakis may not be in the leadership group, but that it isn’t going to stop him from being a strong and respected leader.

Zaharakis continues to be an important leader at the club. (Image: AFL Photos)

4. Walla will kick goal of the year one day

Alright, we probably already suspected this, but it is hard to see Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti wrapping up his career without a Goal of the Year success under his belt.

The nature of McDonald-Tipungwuti’s style lends itself well to entertaining moments and he has already had his fair share of goal of the week nominations and successes.

He was only a handful of metres away from kicking one of the goals of the season on Saturday, when he streamed forward after gathering the ball at full pace in the middle of the ground.

His unbelievable pace with the ball in hand ironically hindered him at the end of his sprint inside 50 when his plan to offload the ball to teammate Orazio Fantasia had to be abandoned because he was simply too quick.

Gallant Swans chaser Callum Mills chose to man up on Fantasia, forcing the Bomber to unleash a rushed shot that hooked for a behind.

There is no doubt that the fans would have blown the covers from the MCG’s stands if the Sherrin had sailed through the middle of the goals, and it seems only a matter of time before ‘Walla’ puts together his next mind-boggling goal.

5. Depth passes another test

When Heppell was withdrawn from the final side due to a sore foot, you knew a lot of pressure would fall on the side’s midfield to fill the contested void he left behind.

It also added a third Crichton Medal winner to the sidelines with Heppell joining the club’s two most recent best and fairest players Joe Daniher and Devon Smith on the injury list.

Many teams wouldn’t be able to cover such a significant collection of lost players, alongside other important first-choice Bombers Patrick Ambrose and Tom Bellchambers, but the Dons showed great depth and determination to do just that over a fellow finals contender on Saturday.

Repeatedly tested, the Bombers have responded bravely to adversity throughout the year so far and hopefully it can continue as the side fights for an important finals berth in what is another extremely open season. Current signs suggest that if you make it into the top eight, you’ll have a serious chance of reaching the ultimate goal.

The Bombers did well to cover the late loss of captain Dyson Heppell. (Image: AFL Photos)