Undermanned and widely expected to find it difficult to win throughout a challenging year, the unconventional Bombers – stocked with top-up players due to a number of year-long suspensions – returned for their first home game of 2016 in round two.
It was an encouraging start for those in the red and black as emerging star Zach Merrett booted both of the side’s first-quarter goals to help the Dons to a slender four-point lead into the first change.
But while new Bomber Mathew Stokes continued the solid start with an important early goal in the second quarter, the Demons soon sparked into action.
Four goals in just 10 minutes had Essendon quickly on the back foot and 12 points behind midway through the term, but the makeshift side’s ability to stay calm proved crucial.
They responded impressively in the middle of the MCG, reclaiming control of the match with four of the next five goals to hang on to a nine-point lead at half-time.
A dour third quarter with the teams sharing just two goals provided no more clarity of the result, setting up a massive final quarter as the Dons looked to do what many thought would be near impossible all year.
Tensions only rose as a damaging three-goal burst from Melbourne had Essendon 16 points behind midway into the quarter, but the young guns were ready to spread their wings.
First it was key forward Joe Daniher, clunking one of many pack marks before converting his kick beautifully. Kyle Langford was next, taking a brilliant mark under pressure to complete a brilliant attacking move and slotting the set shot in trademark fashion.
With little time remaining and now with a six-point buffer, the Bombers worked their way through the corridor with speed, catching the Demons off guard on the counterattack.
The Sherrin would eventually land in the capable hands of young star Darcy Parish in just his second game. The onballer was made for the occasion, kicking the sealer on the run to set off the remarkable scenes in the stands from those who had so passionately stuck by the side.
Zach Merrett gathered 32 disposals, eight tackles, five inside 50s and two goals to claim three Brownlow votes, while David Zaharakis took two votes home for his impressive effort racking up 34 disposals and 10 inside 50s.
Daniher, although a little wayward in front of goal with two goals and four behinds, was monstrous throughout his 50th game as he repeatedly proved unbeatable in the air.
He was eventually rewarded with one vote after working tirelessly up and down the ground to finish with 21 disposals, 15 marks (including nine inside 50 and seven contested), 10 contested possessions, five inside 50s and two goal assists to add to his own pair.
The winning song resembled a mosh pit, with nearly as many Bombers celebrating their first victory in the red and black as those forming the circle and dousing them with Gatorade.
ESSENDON 2.2 7.7 8.10 11.14 (80)
MELBOURNE 1.4 6.4 7.7 10.7 (67)
GOALS
Essendon: Brown 2, Daniher 2, Z Merrett 2, Hartley, Kommer, Langford, Parish, Stokes
Melbourne: Kennedy 3, Garlett 2, Puopolo 2, Brayshaw, Harmes, Hogan, Oliver, Watts
