Watson, Heppell and co. return to AFL after drugs bans
As far as one of their players kicking a behind goes, Essendon fans have arguably never been happier to see the one returning hero Jobe Watson recorded on Thursday night.
They would have loved it if Watson had kicked a major, but all that mattered to the Bombers’ faithful on this night was that their favourite son was back on the field.
When Watson marked and took some time to line up the shot in the pre-season clash with Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, it appeared confirmation to all that Watson and the rest of the banned Bombers were back doing what they do best.
Despite the missed set shot, Watson looked in fine touch as he gathered 19 disposals but the Magpies would eventually prevail by 11 points.
Watson wasn’t the only high-profile Bomber back in action, with new captain Dyson Heppell and Michael Hurley also facing Collingwood.
The former captain did come close to scoring another major, but this time he was denied when the teammate took the mark on the line.
Watson could only smile. Bombers fans will be hoping the sight of him smiling on a football field again puts another nail in the coffin of what is the darkest period in the club’s rich history.
