Essendon made a positive start to life post-James Hird, but they still weren’t good enough to get the four points against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

And the Suns’ Sam Day appears to have avoided serious injury despite being taken off on a stretcher in the his side’s two-point win.

The big forward didn’t get up late in the third quarter of the thrilling 14.13 (97) to 14.11 (95) victory, after his head collided with the hip of Essendon’s Mark Baguley.

Concern was evident with the game delayed for six minutes as Day was treated by medical staff before he was eventually taken from the field.

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He was taken to hospital for further assessment but was conscious and talking to staff before getting into the ambulance.

The incident was a lowlight in a tight game that featured several basic skill errors but was a nailbiting contest between two teams who had endured years to forget.

In their first game since Hird’s midweek resignation, the Bombers threatened to steal a victory when sub Orazio Fantasia’s second goal of the quarter – and his AFL career – reduced the margin to just three points with less than three minutes to play.

Matthew Egan’s debut as an AFL coach then came as close as it could get to ending in victory with Jake Carlisle’s right foot snap from the pocket as the siren sounded narrowly missing the target.

Earlier, Suns youngster Jack Martin’s three-goal second quarter was the foundation for the home team’s halftime lead.

The 20-year-old would have had four goals but, after claiming a fine mark over an Essendon defender, had to leave the field due to the blood rule with Matt Shaw kicking the major.

Shaw was among the Suns’ best with two goals and 20 disposals while in-form Aaron Hall also had a fine game, picking up 31 disposals and a goal.

Key forward Tom Lynch also had three goals for the home team.

Shaun McKernan, Dyson Heppell and Cale Hooker all had three majors for the Bombers.

Joe Daniher was subbed off in third quarter after appearing to cop a knock to the ribs.

– with AAP