A new-look Essendon have begun their AFL season with a bang, coming from behind in a scintillating fourth quarter to claim a 12-point victory over grand finalists Adelaide.
Down by 20 points at the end of Friday night’s third quarter, the Bombers booted six goals to one in the final term to run out 14.15 (99) to 12.15 (87) winners at Etihad Stadium.
Big-name recruits Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad all made valuable contributions in their Essendon debuts while Cale Hooker and James Stewart booted three goals apiece.
Skipper Dyson Heppell was best-afield with 35 disposals and eight inside-50s.
The Bombers took the lead in the dying minutes through Hooker after Adelaide star Rory Sloane dragged the ball in at a stoppage and was pinged for holding the ball.
Josh Begley then kicked truly on the run from 40m to seal a famous victory in front of a raucous 42,000-strong crowd.
The Bombers went a man down late in the first quarter when midfielder Zach Merrett was concussed after a heavy bump from Richard Douglas.
Douglas, who was reported for rough conduct, appeared initially to have made contact with Merrett’s shoulder rather than his head.
But the 22-year-old was slow to get to his feet and was bleeding from the mouth as the trainers escorted him off the ground.
Both sides were wayward in front of goal during a tightly contested first half with the Bombers ahead by five points at halftime.
Stringer made a strong early impression, winning the first centre clearance then taking a strong contested mark at fullback.
The former Western Bulldogs premiership player finished with 16 disposals in a solid first outing, while Smith (23 disposals, six clearances) impressed at the stoppages.
Adelaide’s own star recruit Bryce Gibbs had earlier turned the match in their favour, lighting the spark for his side with two goals in quick succession at the start of the third quarter.
Gibbs finished with 35 disposals while Matt Crouch had a game-high 41 touches and seven clearances.
Out for redemption after last year’s grand final defeat at the hands of Richmond, the Crows struggled in front of goal in the absence of skipper Taylor Walker and Tom Lynch.
