The roar when Joe Daniher took that big mark, the roar when Darcy Parish kicked the sealer, the roar when the final siren rang.

There were 50,424 people at the MCG to watch the Bombers record a memorable win over Melbourne.  It sounded like many more.

But three hours before the first bounce, the stadium was empty.

It was then first gamer Michael Hartley decided to grace the MCG turf for the first time.

“I’ve never been on the MCG before, I thought I’d just get out there and take it all in,” Hartley said.

“I like to get here early and just have a look around – it was pretty sick.”

Overlooked in round one, Hartley didn’t have to wait long for his call-up at the Bombers – but the journey to his first game has been a long one.

Collingwood selected the then 18 year old with its last pick in the rookie draft at the end of the 2011 season.

His two years there were plagued by injury.

But when he returned to the VFL he rediscovered continuity.

His father, Colin, lives in New South Wales.  Each week he drove to Melbourne to watch his son ply his trade with Coburg.

“Dad’s retired now, he’s got a bit of time on his hands, he loves to drive down every week to watch me play,” Hartley said.

“He’s always getting around me, even when I play a bad game.

“A lot of this goes down to him.”

Fellow defender James Gwilt presented Hartley with his first Essendon jumper.

“You thoroughly deserve it, you’ve worked so hard,” Gwilt told Hartley before the game.

“I know your Dad, Colin, is really proud of your efforts so far.

“All we can expect from you today is 100 per cent effort.”

And that is what Hartley gave.

He picked up 14 possessions, laid five tackles and cut off a number of the Demons attacking raids.

He even kicked a goal.

“I don’t have a run up, I just sort of strolled in and just kicked it as far as I could and it turned out alright,” Hartley said.

“I haven’t slept in three days, it’s been ridiculous  - just so many people wishing me well.

“I’ve loved every minute of it.”

Hartley’s goal was one of many heartwarming moments on an unforgettable day for Bomber fans.

The memories of the win over Melbourne will live on.

And they will be with Colin Hartley too, when he next makes the nine-hour drive south to watch his son play.