A seven goal to nil second term saw the Bombers skip to a match winning lead in their opening NAB Challenge win against Carlton.

Essendon maintained its advantage in the second half, eventually running out ten goal winners.

Captain Brendon Goddard led the way with three goals, while David Zaharakis (28 possessions) and Marty Gleeson (22 possessions) were also influential.

Gleeson was a key part of the defensive group that also featured draftees Mitch Brown and Michael Hartley.

“They were really good, they’ve been here a couple of months now so we’re starting to get a bit of continuity with what we’re doing,” Gleeson said.

“We were all on the same page back there, helping each other out, so it makes it a very enjoyable game back there.”

Brown took eight marks and gathered 19 disposals, while Hartley had 14 possessions and five marks.

Essendon controlled the game for large periods of the match; with the ball locked in the Dons forward half for extended periods.

“We set the game up really well,” Gleeson said.

“We played well as a team which enabled us to play the game in our forward half.

“It was a big focus going in and we were able to do that which was good.”

The Bombers next NAB Challenge match is on Saturday against Geelong.