Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s AFL comeback has capped the best-possible begin for Essendon underneath new coach Brad Scott.
After a tumultuous low season, the Bombers mauled arch-rivals Hawthorn on Sunday on the MCG for a 59-point win.
The two greatest cheers within the 19.10 (124) to 9.11 (65) win got here when cult determine McDonald-Tipungwuti was subbed on within the final quarter, and shortly after when he kicked a purpose.
It was the small ahead’s first senior sport since late within the 2021 season after he retired briefly final yr, earlier than being satisfied to re-join the Bombers.
“It was a great moment for Essendon fans and our club. We’ve had some tough times over the last little period there,” Scott mentioned of McDonald-Tipungwuti, nicknamed “Walla”.
“While perspective is important – we have a long way to go – we should celebrate the little moments too.”
Hawthorn had gained their previous 5 spherical one matches and used this season-opener to honour the 1983 premiership staff, who mauled Essendon in that yr’s grand remaining.
But the Bombers confirmed a much better sense of event, producing a stable win to provide the membership a badly wanted morale increase
As late as two days in the past, Essendon’s low season hell endured when reigning membership best-and-fairest champion Peter Wright dislocated his shoulder at coaching.
It occurred barely a few hours after the Bombers had introduced a four-year contract for Wright, who will miss many of the season.
Despite additionally being with out fellow star ahead Jake Stringer, who’s nursing a hamstring damage, the Bombers blitzed Hawthorn.
“It’s a really good first step in what we think is going to be a long journey for us,” Scott mentioned.
The turning level got here halfway by the second quarter, when Hawthorn’s Changkuoth Jiath kicked an excellent purpose on the run.
That gave Hawthorn the lead after a number of minutes of ping-pong soccer, during which each groups repeatedly turned the ball over.
But it was the Bombers who stepped up a gear, first blunting Hawthorn then kicking the subsequent 9 objectives to kill off the match.
“It was about keeping composure and sticking out what we were trying to do,” Scott mentioned.
“For the large majority of the game, we did that.”
Adding to a stable day, father-son recruit Alwyn Davey additionally kicked a purpose on debut and Jordan Ridley had his first AFL purpose in his 69th sport.
Highly-rated teenager Archie Perkins showcased his expertise, kicking three objectives and taking seven marks, whereas on-baller Darcy Parish had a game-high 37 possessions.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell was left lamenting a loss that, for all their rebuilding, was a worrying begin to the season.
“We’re all disappointed with how it panned out and how quickly the scoreboard got out of hand,” he mentioned.
“Today was a long way from what we expected.”
In his two hundredth sport, Essendon on-baller Dylan Shiel went off within the final time period, however was cleared of damage.
Hawks veteran Chad Wingard additionally left the bottom within the remaining quarter and Mitchell is hopeful that it was nothing extra critical than a cramped calf.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
