A FEW things hadn't changed. The crowd again lined the cycling track around the Wangaratta Showgrounds' oval sitting in deckchairs and on blankets. The game was a sell-out before a ball was bounced, with 11,000 or so packed in.
Locals made the most of the extra business behind the canteen. Brendon Goddard racked up a lot of the ball.
But this year was vastly different to last, when Essendon's chartered plane failed to land in the region due to torrential conditions and the club forfeited its NAB Cup clash with St Kilda, who went on to play an intra-club match to appease drenched fans.
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This time, the sun was out, it was hot, and players applied zinc to their faces. Goddard was still getting a lot of the ball, but in a different coloured jumper.
The Bombers, with an almost full-strength squad, played Richmond. But even despite more senior experience and a more balanced side, the Tigers triumphed by eight points in an unlikely victory.
After a close first half, an even tighter second half ensued, with the final key moment belonging to Tiger Ricky Petterd.
The former Demon, who crossed to the club at the end of last year, gathered the ball outside the 50-metre arc and kicked a long supergoal to hand the Tigers a seven-point lead with moments remaining.
Petterd had been solid in his new defensive role, but relished his moment up forward when it came his way.
The Tigers kicked another point after Petterd's supergoal, their ninth of an inaccurate final term, to win 2.8.20 (86) to the Bombers' 1.10.9 (78).
It was a win that was unexpected given the strength of the two sides on the park.
Apart from David Zaharakis (quad) and Jason Winderlich (groin), this was close to Essendon's best side as it ramped up its preparation for a round one encounter with Adelaide on March 22.
Paddy Ryder, Michael Hurley and Stewart Crameri worked themselves into the game in attack.
In defence they were organised, too, with Jake Carlisle convincingly winning his battle with Tiger spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who was Richmond captain for the night.
Damien Hardwick's Tigers were missing a host of key players, including captain Trent Cotchin, vice-captain Brett Deledio and ruckman Ivan Maric.
Steven Morris, Reece Conca and Chris Knights also didn't play.
Those who took their place clearly made an impact. David Astbury, who has had an injury ravaged two seasons was important early, youngster Nick Vlastuin continued his push for a full AFL debut, and Shane Edwards won a lot of the ball.
Luke McGuane showed he could play a part in Richmond's attack with two goals, and ruckman Orren Stephenson put his hand up for a spot on the Tigers' senior list with 14 disposals and 19 hit-outs.
ESSENDON 0.2.2 1.5.4 1.8.7 1.10.9 (78)
RICHMOND 1.2.4 1.4.9 1.7.11 2.8.20 (86)
SUPERGOALS
Essendon: Jetta
Richmond: White, Petterd
GOALS
Essendon: Ryder 3, Stanton, Hurley 2, Crameri, Kommer, Hille
Richmond: McGuane, Tuck 2, White, Arnot, Nahas, Riewoldt
BEST
Essendon: Carlisle, Goddard, Hibberd, Heppell, Crameri, Ryder, Hurley
Richmond: Grigg, S.Edwards, Rance, Astbury, Vlastuin, McGuane
INJURIES
Essendon: Hurley (leg)
Richmond: Nil
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 11,000 at Norm Minns Oval, Wangaratta Showgrounds
