Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti returns for Essendon Bombers vs Hawthorn Hawks on, goal, video, Sam Draper, latest news

It had been 588 days since Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti last took to the field and his return was well worth the wait.

The Bombers cult hero, who played as a sub in his first game since retiring, was brought to the club’s dominant 59-point MCG win over Hawthorn in the fourth quarter to the sound of huge applause from the fans, including a standing ovation from the Essendon Cheersquad.

That alone was special, but in the end he stole the show with a goal that will go down in history as one of the moments of the season.

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The diminutive forward marked the ball at a slight angle about 40 yards from goal with 13 minutes remaining in the fourth term as fans chanted “tippa” as he lined up at the big sticks.

McDonald-Tipungwuti then really kicked as his Bombers teammates came from everywhere to celebrate, sending their supporters into raptures.

Speak with foxfooty.com.au After the game, fellow cultist Sam Draper said it was a moment he won’t forget.

“I definitely got goosebumps when he marked that ball and freaked the whole crowd out,” Draper said foxfooty.com.au after the game.

“Our fans are so good, they deserve a few more wins and it was a very special moment to be out there.”

It capped a great day for the Essendon faithful after another moment to be enjoyed as the son of arms debutant Alwyn Davey Jnr. kicked off his first career goal in the presence of his father.

Davey had missed a few opportunities before, and when he finally pushed through one, fans, teammates – and even Davey Snr – went suitably berserk.

“He’s going to be a great player for us, his speed is just different,” said Draper.

“We’ll see him score a lot of goals. He could probably have had four or five today if he had finished his work.

“He’s getting some good opportunities.”

A game most thought could have gone either way turned into a smash as the Bombers beat the Hawks by 59 points to get off to the perfect start under new coach Brad Scott.

Essendon bounced back after a slow start to the game, scoring 11 of their last 15 goals and putting the Hawks to the sword in an all-encompassing display.

“I’m pretty proud of how we’ve approached this,” added Draper.

“It didn’t start well but we worked our way through, especially in the third quarter, we really put our foot in the throat there.

“It was so much fun and the fans are so good.”

Draper himself scored a few goals – one of 13 bombers to land on the scoreboard that day – and celebrated as only the exciting Ruckman can.

The 24-year-old admitted it’s a part of his game that he wants to build more consistency with.

“I definitely try to get on the scoreboard in every game,” Draper said.

“Whether we play with two rucks or not, I definitely feel like this is an area where I can really grow and help the team.

“I love scoring goals.”