Essendon cult determine Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti has thrilled the Bombers devoted of their 59-point AFL belting of arch-rivals Hawthorn.
In his first senior sport since late 2021, McDonald-Tipungwuti generated the largest cheers of the match when he was subbed into the sport over the last quarter.
He kicked a aim moments later because the Bombers began the regime of coach Brad Scott with the 19.10 (124) to 9.11 (65) victory.
McDonald-Tipungwuti, referred to as Walla, briefly retired from the AFL final yr earlier than he was talked into returning.
His aim capped a formidable Sunday afternoon for the Bombers on the MCG, with father-son recruit Alwyn Davey additionally kicking a aim on debut.
Bombers ahead Archie Perkins starred with 20 disposals, seven marks and three objectives, whereas on-baller Darcy Parish racked up a game-high 37 disposals.
In his 200th sport, Essendon midfielder Dylan Shiel left the sphere within the final quarter with a sore shoulder, whereas Hawks veteran Chad Wingard (calf) additionally went off within the closing time period.
Essendon recovered from some scratchy ball use within the second time period to overwhelm the Hawks.
Hawthorn had received their final 5 spherical one matches and used this season opener to honor the 1983 premiership crew, who mauled Essendon in that yr’s grand closing.
However the Bombers had the a lot better sense of event, producing a stable win to offer their followers a badly wanted morale enhance following a tumultuous low season.
After Essendon opened with two fast objectives, Hawthorn steadied and kicked the following 4 – together with an impressive piece of play from Wingard when his baulk left the Bombers’ defenders flat-footed.
A late aim from Essendon’s Jye Menzie restricted the injury to 10 factors on the first change.
The lead switched repeatedly within the second time period and so did play, as a succession of turnovers meant ping-pong soccer.
Halfway by means of the second quarter, Changkuoth Jiath rivaled Wingard for aim of the day along with his polished end on the run.
It gave Hawthorn the lead once more and so they have been wanting extra prone to break the sport open.
But it surely was their final aim of the half, as former Melbourne ahead Sam Weideman kicked two and Davey thrilled the Bombers followers simply earlier than the principle break.
After lacking a few possibilities, Davey kicked precisely from his set shot and Essendon led by 16 at half time.
Perkins kicked two objectives within the third quarter and lit up the sport as Essendon overpowered Hawthorn with six objectives to 2 behinds, for a 53-point lead on the final break.
Hawthorn broke Essendon’s run of eight objectives when Luke Breust kicked his second, 4 minutes into the ultimate time period.
New Hawks captain James Sicily had 30 possessions in protection and on-baller James Worpel impressed with 14 contested possessions and 7 clearances.
