Essendon’s season has clearly not gone according to plan but in the face of a nightmare year on the injury front an AFL fairytale has emerged.

Under the Friday night spotlight at Geelong, a new chapter was added to the Liam McMahon story, with the 23-year forward booting four goals in just his fourth AFL game.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Matthew Richardson finds out Liam McMahon is a huge fan.

The 198cm forward was first drafted by Collingwood in 2020 but was then delisted at the end of 2022 without playing a senior game.

He then joined Carlton’s VFL team and — after leading that team’s goalkicking — he was then handed an AFL lifeline this year when Essendon selected him with their last pick in the mid-season rookie draft in May.

With the Bombers cruelled by injury, McMahon is now an AFL player and is impressing everyone, including Channel 7 commentator and former Richmond champion Matthew Richardson.

Richardson — a superstar forward in his day — was watching on on Friday night when McMahon booted his four goals from his 11 disposals.

Following the performance, a magical moment unfolded on live TV when gun Channel 7 reporter Xander McGuire spoke to McMahon from the Essendon rooms.

“How about for you personally, can you believe where you’re at, career best night, four goals? Only a few months ago you were plying your trade at Carlton VFL, and here you are now on the big stage, Friday night footy,” McGuire said.

McMahon said the goals “all happened in a blur” but was thrilled.

“But yeah, I’m really happy to be here. It’s where I wanted to be since I was a little kid. It’s a genuine dream. I’m able to look up and see my family in the stands, and it’s, umm, yeah, it’s a real big pinch me moment, and I’m absolutely loving it.”

He was then told Richardson had become his “No.1 fan”, words that seemingly made his heart melt.

“Do you have a word for Richo?” McGuire asked. “I’m sure you loved watching him growing up as well.”

McMahon’s face beamed.

“That is so cool because I was a massive Richmond fan growing up, and Matthew Richardson was my favorite player,” he revealed.

“So I had No.12 on my back, and he was the first person to sign my jersey when I was younger. So, yeah, to get that from Richo that’s ... that’s really cool.”

Richo was also thrilled — and a touch embarrassed — to hear that had been idolised by McMahon.

The split vison of Richo high-fiving Abbey Holmes in the Geelong rooms while McMahon gushed made for priceless TV.

“He was blushing, Richo,” Holmes said.

Richardson: “Oh, I did not know that. I didn’t know. So that’s lovely.

“(But) this kid can play. We talked about him during the call. He’s got natural forward craft. And, you know, he just knows where the goals are.

“He’s kicked 51 goals now for the year at all levels, most of them obviously in the VFL with Carlton then Essendon. But now, (he’s kicked) eight goals at AFL level in four games, two goals a game.

“He is a young key forward. He’s shown plenty of promise.”

Upon we seeing the interview, AFL fans fell in love with the young Bomber and were reminded of their own childhood dreams.

“How good is Liam McMahon’s face lighting up when Xander McGuire tells him Richo is a big fan 😊,” 7AFL said on social media.

“We forget that every AFL player was a kid once. Liam’s inner kid came out there. Absolutely beautiful,” one fan said.

And another: “Just a great moment.”

And another: “I think we’re gonna need a new segment… Richo watch.”

Another fan called it “wholesome content” and another observed that McMahon was a “nice young man”.

Meanwhile, another fan had a direct order for Richo: “Get yourself in the rooms and hook McMahon up with a photo. How good is this!”