Essendon has taken its pre-season form into round one with a close 9.9 (63) to 8.9 (57) win against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In their first assignment under the new 16-minute (plus time on) quarters, the Bombers burst out of the blocks against Fremantle. Even midway through the third term they led by 28 points.

But as Essendon cruised, Fremantle began to surge. Debutant Sam Sturt was pivotal to the run, booting two last-term goals to help get the Freo Dockers to within seven points in the dying moments.

They could have edged even closer but Andy Brayshaw missed a simple shot running into goal that would have put Freo within one point.

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir, in his first game at the helm, will rue the miss as Essendon held on to a 9.9 (63) to 8.9 (57) victory.

The Freo Dockers looked likely to run over the top of the Bombers had the game stretched longer under a normal format, before the time changes due to the AFL's coronavirus measures.

Essendon coach John Worsfold and understudy Ben Rutten will have equally as many questions about their side's fadeout after booting only two goals after half-time.

TOWNSEND'S IMPACT
Six months ago the Richmond premiership player's career looked over, but Essendon called with an AFL lifeline and against Fremantle Townsend showed the tenacity which made him a loved Tiger for several years. Playing as a marking option for the Bombers with their depleted key forward stocks, Townsend kicked two goals in the opening term and set up another in a dominant showing. He tackled and competed and earned every touch, finishing with three goals from nine disposals. Could be a great bargain pick-up.

WELCOME BACK, DEV
The Bombers barely got anything out of Devon Smith last year, with the half-forward/midfielder limited to seven games before he underwent season-ending knee surgery. He looked back to his fresh and ferocious best against Fremantle, however, with Smith showing his importance to the Bombers. He booted the first goal of the game from long range, and finished with 15 disposals and five tackles – showing his value to Essendon doesn't just lie in when he's got the ball.

STURT'S STUNNER
It was the first-gamer Sam Sturt who helped lift the Freo Dockers back into contention late in the piece on Saturday. The first-round draft pick from 2018 impressed with his nous around goal, including booting a long shot in the first half. But his final quarter was the real highlight. His second goal came after a mark and then 50-metre penalty after Michael Hurley made him earn the grab (the match review officer appears certain to look at the incident). He then outmarked Hurley close to goal moments later to boot his third major. Sturt came into the system a little raw but looks to have benefited from some time at WAFL level before his first game.

ANYONE FOR SOME AGGRO?
Some questioned whether the lack of crowds for the foreseeable future could see a lack of argy-bargy between players given the sanitised nature of empty grounds. But we saw a glimpse of it between Essendon and Fremantle, particularly after a long goal from Jake Stringer in the second term. Stringer immediately got in the face of dual Brownlow medallist Nat Fyfe after it sailed through, and moments later was involved in a wrestle with the Fremantle skipper, with the pair regularly matched-up at centre bounces through the afternoon.

AN INTERESTED ONLOOKER
Eyebrows were raised when Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson was spotted at Marvel Stadium watching the game given the strict measures restricting access to games due to the spread of coronavirus. But the four-time Hawks mastermind hadn't called in any special favours. Under AFL rules, a rival club scout is permitted to attend but it is restricted to those clubs playing in the next two weeks. Hawthorn faces the Freo Dockers next week, so 'Clarko' was on the list as its representative.

MEDICAL ROOM
Essendon: The Bombers appeared to get through the game unscathed.
Fremantle: There did not seem to be any major injury concerns for Fremantle.

NEXT UP
Barring any changes to the fixture as the AFL looks to accelerate its fixture, Essendon will head to Sydney to face the Swans next Friday night at the SCG. Fremantle will take on the Hawks at Optus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. 

ESSENDON                5.2     7.5     8.8     9.9 (63)
FREMANTLE               2.1     3.3     4.6     8.9 (57)

GOALS
Essendon: Townsend 3, Stringer 2, Snelling, Fantasia, Laverde
Fremantle: Sturt 3, Lobb 2, Walters, Colyer, Taberner

BEST
Essendon: Shiel, Townsend, Saad, Merrett, McGrath, Langford
Fremantle:  Fyfe, Walters, Lobb, Tucker, Sturt

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, Fisher, Gavine