Underneath the bright lights of the MCG, Essendon started their 2025 AFL season with promising signs, pushing highly fancied Hawthorn in an enthralling contest.
Essendon, who missed out on their Opening Round clash due to ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred, brought the heat and intensity in a clash that showed the potential for what could be for the Bombers in 2025.
In his post-match press conference, coach Brad Scott was proud of the team's performance against the highly fancied Hawks, noting the ability to win the contest as a key feature that stood out.
"What we want to build our game around is effort and everything in the contest," he said.
"But also effort when things aren't going your way, to be able to adjust, both from a coaching persepctive and a playing perspective.
"We got back in the game and I like the fact that we never conceded."
While being positive about the way the side were able to win the contests around the ground, he lamented the fact that his team lost some crucial contests in the back half.
"To concede, I think, combined six goals from centre bounce and kick-ins, with things that we knew...," he said.
"We were well prepared and trained for them, but then we still didn't execute.
"To concede six goals from things that we planned for and trained for was disappointing. That was a big part to the margin."
Discussion around the Bombers being disadvantaged compared to the Hawks who had a match under their belt was waved away, with Scott stating that the opposition may have been tired from playing the previous week.
"It was a hot game, both literally and metaphorically. Both teams looked out on their feet but I was rapt that our guys kept coming," the Dons coach said.
"You can say that maybe they had a bit of fatigue from last week, and we didn't. We certainly won't be using that as an excuse."
The Hawks had the ascendancy in the first quarter before Essendon gained more control around the ground, winning most of the key metrics for the game including the tackle count, inside 50s, clearances and contested possessions.
Scott was satisfied with the endeavour of the team to wrestle back control and momentum.
"Once again, pleased that we were able to adjust that and get the game somewhat back on our terms," he added.
"I thought in the second half, we controlled big parts of it. The screen that I look at was flashing green on most metrics."
Scott was bullish about the playing group, but was understanding that they need to be able to convert opportunities more in 2025 if they want to be able to put scoreboard pressure on opposition teams.
"If you get it inside 58 times, you are going to get a good enough look but we've got to be better," he said.
"We had that a fair bit last year too. We got it in a lot, but potentially we need to score better than we are at the moment."
A contentious rushed behind call against Andrew McGrath at a crucial moment in the game will be a talking point throughout the week, though Scott was measured with his response, explaining his interpretation of the rule.
"All we are told is that if you are under any semblance of pressure and you're inside nine, you can rush the behind," he said.
"They have to explain it and not me. I'm just giving you the information that we're given."
Young midfielder Jye Caldwell starred on the night for the Bombers, registering 36 disposals, 10 clearances and a goal as he showed he will be one to watch closely this year for Essendon supporters.
His ability to get involved in scoring chains meant that he was a constant threat for the Bombers, finishing with a game-high 11 score involvements.
"I thought Caldwell was outstanding. I wish we could have two of him," he said.
"He's really elevated his game and he was playing on some good Hawthorn mids."
"He really lifted us at various stages."
Essendon's Next Generation Academy selection Isaac Kako made an impact in his debut, as the 13th pick from the 2024 AFL National draft kicked a goal and looked dangerous whenever he was near the ball, finishing the night with 14 disposals and six score involvements.
Scott was impressed by the energy and defensive pressure that he applied to the Hawthorn backline.
"I just like the way he pressured. He gives us energy we haven't had in the forward half in the last couple of years," he said.
"That's only the beginning for Isaac. I think we are going to see him only get better from here."
The Bombers now regroup after their Friday night defeat, having an eight-day turnaround before they host the Adelaide Crows at the MCG in their first home game for the 2025 season.
