The win at Etihad Stadium was Hill’s first home and away victory in Melbourne in his brief 24-game career and he says there will be more in the near future.
“The NAB Cup win over North Melbourne was the only other one I’ve played in and that’s something we need to work on a bit,” Hill said after the game.
The pacy 19-year-old was one of his side’s best in the win, gathering 19 touches and getting the ball inside 50 on eight occasions.
His footspeed was typical of his side, which ran the usually fast Essendon off its feet.
Fremantle has struggled in the past to finish games off but has had no such problem in the first two weeks of 2010.
Hill says the condition of the team has improved.
“Our pressure, our run and carry and our fitness is a key. Our ability to run out games is a lot better and hopefully we can do it for the whole season,” Hill said.
“We had a few injuries last year and we’ve got those players back. We’ve got some fresh legs with the new guys and we’re looking pretty good.”
Hill said the team did not consciously give extra support to Adam McPhee, who clearly struggled with nerves in his first game against his old side, but admitted some of the more senior players may have had a few reassuring words at quarter time and half time.
“Adam knew it was just another game and he had to play his role and do what he could for the team. He did that well,” he said.
“I think a few of the boys would have told him to calm down a bit and try to relax. The crowd was getting stuck into him a bit but he got into it and played his role.”
Fremantle is sitting pretty in second position on the ladder but Hill says the biggest test will come in next week’s home game against Geelong.
“It should be good. They are reigning premiers but we’re pretty confident. We’ve won the first two and hopefully we can keep it up, play the way we can and pressure them and maybe we can beat them.”
