Three solid quarters of footy weren't enough for Essendon VFL on Saturday afternoon, suffering an 11-point defeat at the hands of second-placed Williamstown.

In typically windy conditions at DSV Stadium, the Bombers held their own both with and against the breeze throughout the contest, getting away on the scoreboard early and conceding just seven goals to three-quarter-time.

The midfield combination of Elijah Tsatas (31 touches), Jackson Hately (25 touches) and Dylan Shiel (24 touches) propelled the Dons to a strong start, the trio combining for 19 clearances from ruck Nick Bryan's 45 hit-outs.

Forward talent is starting to become more prominent week-to-week for the Bombers, with Jayden Davey's 15-disposal, three-goal effort showing Bomber fans the brilliance he's capable of - two of his majors came from long-range, and another from a clever snap out of traffic to give the side breathing room in the second quarter.

Nate Caddy pieced together arguably his best four-quarter effort so far this year, constantly providing a leading option to finish with two goals and six marks. The key forward's willingness to crash packs was a standout from the Dons' forward entries, and the efficiency of forward partner Campbell Gray (three goals) also paid dividends.

The height of the Dons' back six quelled several opportunities in the first half, with a successful return from injury for Zach Reid (26 disposals, 10 marks) one of the highlights of Essendon's day.

Paired with usual defensive mainstays Will Hoare and Lewis Hayes, the trio combined for 65 touches and 26 marks to dictate play from the back half.

Despite holding up well against the breeze in the second term, a well-timed run from Williamstown in front of their home crowd overpowered the Dons in the final half-hour, who conceded six goals for the quarter.

A late Jared Eckersley goal restored Essendon's lead, but two Seagulls goals in the next two minutes effectively pulled the contest away from their hands, securing the 11-point margin.

Despite their 1-5 record, the VFL Bombers have now led at half-time in five of their six games this season - they'll be keen to work on their second half lapses and keep providing experience for their young list.

Essendon VFL returns to Windy Hill for the first time in 2024 when they face North Melbourne on Sunday.

WILLIAMSTOWN     1.3     5.5     7.8    13.12   (90)
ESSENDON      4.4     7.7     10.11     11.13  (79)

GOALS
Gray 3, J. Davey 3, Eckersley 2, Caddy 2, Menzie

BEST
Hately, Hayes, Bryan, J. Davey, Tsatas, Reid, Caddy