In May last year, there were many questions raised about Essendon and its ability to turn the season around.
An important breakthrough victory against Geelong in the Country Game in round nine was an encouraging sign, but a trip interstate the following week to face the star-studded Giants was set to be a better indicator of what the rest of 2018 would bring for the Dons.
The result? A blistering win that would truly set the scene for a sensational finish to the year.
A strong five-goal start in the opening term quickly put Greater Western Sydney on the back foot, but the home side fought strongly in defence, holding the Bombers to just three more goals before the final change.
It was then that the tide turned. The Bombers ran riot in the final term, flashing home with six goals and defending staunchly to run away with a stirring 35-point win.
Experienced on-baller David Zaharakis led the way, taking home the three Brownlow votes for his outstanding performance on the night where he racked up 33 disposals, six clearances, six inside 50s and a goal.
Former Giant Devon Smith was typically ruthless in his first clash against his old side, laying 13 brutal tackles to go with 21 disposals and a goal, while skipper Dyson Heppell was terrific with 28 disposals and a career-high 12 clearances.
Dyson Heppell was instrumental in Essendon's defeat of Greater Western Sydney last year.
Mark Baguley and Jake Stringer were dangerous throughout the contest and did the damage on the scoreboard, booting three goals apiece to help steer the side to success.
Heath Shaw, Stephen Coniglio and Jacob Hopper impressed for the Giants on that occasion and all three will line up for the side again this Sunday as Essendon strives to kick the year off with a victory.
But while GWS will certainly field another strong team and be hard to beat, the Bombers will be buoyed by some key talking points at the selection table.
Not only do the Dons now have the duties of former Giants star Dylan Shiel, GWS guns Callan Ward, Josh Kelly and Rory Lobb (now at Fremantle) are among a number of players who took part in the game last year but will fail to do so on Sunday.
Only time will tell whether Essendon can recapture the form that saw it climb up the ladder last year, but all signs suggest the season opener will be another cracking contest.
And if you want to relive last year’s impressive victory, you can see all of the club’s goals from the match in the video above.
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