The Saints defied expectations to start the season 2-0 after an 11-point win against a lacklustre Essendon outfit that came under serious pressure after a disastrous opening half. In John Worsfold’s 350th game as coach, the Bombers showed they were far off being the club that was supposed to be in top-four contention after the acquisition of marquee recruit Dylan Shiel, while the Saints who were elected to be a lowly team in 2019 started the season with 2 straight wins.