Jake Carlisle (St Kilda)

Days since last premiership game: 567

Conceded pre-game that he would take time to get back to his best and that proved accurate. Jesse Hogan was too agile on the ground and too strong in the air, finishing with 21 touches, eight marks and three goals to Carlisle's 11 touches and two marks.

Travis Colyer (Essendon)

Days since last premiership game: 651

A key member of the Dons' new-look mosquito fleet that made the Hawks look old and slow, Colyer took the game on with his explosive speed. Finished with a game-high four running bounces and 15 possessions in his first game since round 11, 2015.

Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs)

Days since last premiership game: 559

Useful without having a major influence in the Dogs' win over the Pies. Had 17 touches, four marks and a goal, plus four tackles to contribute to the premiers' manic pressure of the Pies' defence.

Dyson Heppell (Essendon)

Days since last premiership game: 566

Heppell was outstanding in his first game as skipper, finishing with 34 possessions and three goals. Was particularly influential from late in the third term when the Bombers began to overhaul Hawthorn. Did not look to be carrying any rust from his long layoff and seems the perfect choice to lead Essendon into a brighter new era.

Michael Hurley (Essendon)

Days since last premiership game: 566

The reliable defender was typically serviceable, showing his great versatility to spend much time on Hawthorn's medium and small forwards. Accumulated 21 possessions and six rebounds, and his leadership and direction were important in the back half.

Cale Hooker (Essendon)

Days since last premiership game: 566

The former key defender made a good fist of his return to the Bombers' forward line. Kicked three goals and gave off one goal assist to suggest he can provide Joe Daniher with the support he needs in attack this year.

Jake Melksham (Melbourne)

Days since last premiership game: 567

With 15 touches and nine marks, he played his role in Melbourne's dismantling of St Kilda after quarter-time at Etihad Stadium. The pace of the game caught him out a couple of times but he slotted in comfortably across the wing and half-back.

Patrick Ryder (Port Adelaide)

Days since last premiership game: 567

After building during the pre-season, Ryder was vital to Port's shock win over the Swans. Won 28 hit-outs and four clearances to go with his 13 disposals, and gave the Power mids more reliable service. "It's unbelievable ... I feel like crying," he told Fox Footy after the game.

Brent Stanton (Essendon)

Days since last premiership game: 566

Though the veteran midfielder started quietly with just two touches in a quiet first term, he lifted considerably in the second half. At a critical stage in the third term when the Bombers had muffed several scoring opportunities, Stanton received a handball from McDonald-Tipungwuti and nailed it post-high from the arc to reduce Hawthorn's lead to just five points. Later sealed the game with his second major.

Jobe Watson (Essendon)

Days since last premiership game: 629

In his first AFL game in 629 days (since round 14, 2015),  Watson returned as though he hadn't been away from the game. Received a huge cheer when he gathered the first of his 27 possessions and his sheer presence no doubt added to the confidence of young guns like Zach Merrett and Darcy Parish.

Essendon fans cheer as Watson gathers his first disposal. Picture: Adam Trafford, AFL Photos 

Where are the other banned Bombers?

Tom Bellchambers, Heath Hocking and Ben Howlett were available for Essendon but not selected, while David Myers (finger) was unavailable.

Melbourne's Michael Hibberd (achilles) is expected to return soon.

Veteran small forward Angus Monfries (shoulder) had a limited pre-season with Port Adelaide and was not considered for selection in round one. 

The remainder of the 34 past and present players banned over the club's 2012 supplements program are no longer in the AFL system.