More than ten thousand fans walked to the ground as one.  By the time the game started, there were 50,000 at the MCG to witness a famous Essendon win.

It was a day that showcased the strength of the Club.

From the fans, to the past players, to the current day players … the Essendon Football Club Made a Stand. 

The contribution of the supporters to the day, and the last three years, wasn’t lost on the players and coaches after the game.

Here are some of their comments on the support they received.

Brendon Goddard

“The Stand Up campaign was pretty special.  It was a good build up to the game and going through the banner.  We obviously acknowledged our fans after the win and walked down to them because it was pretty important.  Our first win meant a lot to a lot of people - not only the playing group, but the supporters, all the staff and everyone involved." 

Jackson Merrett

“We need all the support we can get – it’s really good that everyone has stuck by us and hopefully they can continue that throughout the rest of the year.”

Zach Merrett

“I saw there were ten thousand people march this ‘arvo’, so they were very vocal today and it was greatly appreciated.  Hopefully they can keep getting down to watch our games." 

Ryan Crowley

“I haven’t had too many people cheering for me at the MCG before.  It was exciting – what a turnout, a great Club.”

John Worsfold

“I’m just rapt for the Club, rapt for the supporters who came out today, and the players.

“It has been a big day for the Club.  I really enjoyed seeing some of the past legends of the Club lining up as the new generation of players ran out.

“Essendon footy Club has an unbelievably great history and it’s got a really bright future.  It’s our job now to create that.”

David Zaharakis on the significance of the win 

"It's definitely up there with the top three or four wins (of my career). One was probably Anzac Day in '09, Fremantle in 2013 and probably this one – they're the ones you remember.  (They're) just games you never thought you were going to win … and then the whole build up this week with fans taking a stand at Federation Square and to then come from behind in the last quarter to win a game, it's definitely up there."

 Thousands of Dons fans marched to the MCG in support of of their club. Picture: Getty Images