Essendon have rebounded from two losses to hand Port Adelaide their first setback of the AFL season, a 22-point defeat at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The Bombers prevailed in the battle of the AFL’s most renovated sides, kicking clear of the Power and withstanding a late comeback to win 16.10 (106) to 12.12 (84).
Jake Stringer had his best game in red and black, kicking four as a forward including a stunning last-quarter snap from the boundary.
And fellow new boy Devon Smith brought ferocious pressure with 11 tackles.
But Essendon’s triumph was underpinned by familiar names.
Dyson Heppell had 31 touches, Zach Merrett finally got off the leash with 29 disposals and eight tackles, while Michael Hurley and Brendon Goddard played dependable hands in key roles.
First-gamer Matt Guelfi also made a solid start to his AFL career with 17 touches.
The Bombers led all day, with Mark Baguley’s first-quarter goal – just the fourth of his 106-game career – a sign it would be their day.
With improved pressure, Essendon denied Port Adelaide run and ball movement.
The win lays to rest the club’s dire AFL loss to Western Bulldogs last weekend and close loss to Fremantle the weekend before.
The Bombers can now look forward to an Anzac Day date with Collingwood, with both sides at 2-2 after the Magpies’ surprise triumph over Adelaide on Friday night.
Port’s loss means they’re one of six sides at 3-1 in the ledger.
They threatened a late show with a run of four-straight goals around three-quarter time that brought the margin back to 19 points before the Bombers steadied.
The Power’s new recruits had contrasting days.
Jack Watts kicked 3.0 but Tom Rockliff had just eight touches to continue his underwhelming start to life in South Australia.
Robbie Gray was clearly Port’s best, with 39 disposals.