Proud Essendon coach John Worsfold says the Bombers' stunning upset win over Melbourne will give his side belief that they won't be the competition's easybeats this season.
Some commentators didn't think the Dons would win a game this season after the Court of Arbitration for Sport decimated the playing list and many have tipped Essendon to win the wooden spoon.
But Worsfold said the thrilling 13-point triumph over the lacklustre Demons at the MCG was confirmation his cobbled together outfit of youngsters, mature-age recruits and some remaining veterans would be more than competitive.
"A win at this point means at any given day we're realistically a chance to compete really strongly and maybe win some games," Worsfold said.
"But we also saw last week (in a 61-point defeat to Gold Coast) and we've seen the last couple of NAB Challenge (games) it won't be without its challenges this year.
"Our depth is OK, but it will get challenged at times, so we're just looking forward to working hard and to learn and grow together.
"We'll certainly be aiming to win more games, but the number one thing is how we want to play together."
The Bombers came out firing after a huge build-up to the match, which featured thousands of supporters marching to the ground in a show of support for the club's future and past premiership heroes lining the field as the Dons ran onto the ground.
Essendon's tackling – a focus area at training this week - was noticeably fiercer than against the Suns and immediately set Melbourne on the back foot.
The Bombers' confidence grew the longer the match wore on, symbolised by emerging star Joe Daniher continuing to fly for marks and have shots at goal despite his wayward radar.
The 22-year-old was unstoppable in his 50th game, taking 15 marks – seven contested and nine inside 50 – and booting 2.4, including a pivotal set shot late after a day of wasted opportunities.
"It was a dominant game really, but he did miss the opportunities to give us a bit of a breather at times," Worsfold said.
"What I liked about Joe's game was that he didn't then stop wanting to have the next shot at goal.
"He kept demanding the footy and presenting for us, and the fact he was having shots was just as critical because the marks he took to have shots at goal meant that they didn't get it to ground and run it out."
Daniher was well supplied by a midfield strongly driven by young guns Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish, who kicked the match-winning goal in just his second game.
The composed 18-year-old backed up his 25-possession first game with another 21 touches in his first appearance at the MCG.
"Watching him getting around the footy and the impact he has on contests – he's only lightly-framed but I think he was hanging on to Max Gawn once and got him to ground – you just think that kid is just tenacious, competitive and very talented as well," Worsfold said.
"It's a pretty handy mix to have for a young man like that and to nail that goal at a critical time was exciting for everyone."
Worsfold also lavished praise on debutant Michael Hartley and Kyle Langford for his mature set shot goal in the final term, while singling out the mature midfield brigade of Brendon Goddard, David Zaharakis and ex-Cats premiership stars Mathew Stokes and James Kelly.
Suddenly the Bombers will take plenty of confidence into what promises to be an intriguing contest against a stuttering Port Adelaide side at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.
