Luke Beveridge addressed the media after Sunday’s 21-point win over the Bombers, and westernbulldogs.com.au breaks down the key points.
1. Ed & Aaron
While the coach got their names mixed up with Fight Club actor Ed Norton in a lighter moment during Sunday's press conference, there was no hiding how pleased he is with the start youngsters Aaron Naughton and Ed Richard's have had to their respective AFL careers, as well as some of the Club's other young players.
"For Ed Richards to play so well in his second game, for Aaron Naughton to play such an important role... (and) Zaine Cordy was just sublime down there.
"That defensive unit with Bailey Williams... just young kids playing against some Giants. They got some pressure around the ball, which helped them, but their aerials were insane, really."
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2. One for the supporters
After the players sang the song post match, Beveridge called all of the support staff in for a second rendition in a show of unity and togetherness, but the other important group he wanted to acknowledge was the Club's loyal supporters.
"I couldn't be happier for... our supporters. They've had a difficult couple of weeks.
"I know expectations are high now but they probably got as big a surprise and were as disappointed as anyone, but through trying times our supporters have always stuck fat, and obviously they will be extremely satisfied tonight."
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3. More than a tackle
While the fans were watching and re-watching Dickson's chase-down of Bomber speedster Conor McKenna, Beveridge said the gut-busting effort on display was symbolic of something bigger.
"It's an example of when the game is going away from you, the choices you make, and doing things for the team.
"And it's probably something that, we haven't been bereft in, but it hasn't been a highlight early in the year and it's one example of many that you know the boys are playing for each other."
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4. A word on the 'Badger'
While he didn't fill up the stats sheet, Mitch Honeychurch was charged with containing star Essendon mid, Zach Merrett (with Luke Dahlhaus) and was instrumental in the win.
"'Badger' is a hard young midfielder and he's improving all the time with his game.
"He's had a really tough run with his body over the years and he seems to have finally got it right - he's having better fortune with his body.
"He had a really critical role today as a midfielder to shutdown one of their important mids and between him and Luke Dahlhaus, they played a really strong game."
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5. Welcome back, Mitch
Mitch Wallis returned on Sunday to play his first game of the season, and the coach was happy with his contribution.
"With Marcus (Bontempelli) playing a different role, it was critical he showed some leadership in there and he played a strong game.
"He was composed with the ball, he won us some ball in close and he was his usual and tenacious and hard inside self that he prides himself on.
He was an important player for us today."
