Essendon challenged reigning premier Melbourne but couldn't go the distance in a 29-point defeat at the MCG on Friday.

Here are some of the key stats to emerge from the loss.

1. Shiel steps up

After an injury-interrupted year in 2021, midfielder Dylan Shiel showed why he is capable of being one of the premier rovers in the AFL.

Shiel was at his classy best on Friday night, accumulating a team-high 25 disposals, six clearances and five tackles at 76 per cent disposal efficiency.

It was a superb display from the 28-year-old as he battled away against Melbourne’s engine room.

Bombers fans will be hoping Shiel can use his trademark poise and burst of energy to step up and help lead Essendon’s midfield in the absence of Zach Merrett.

2. Wright in the thick of it again

Forward Peter Wright produced another outstanding performance as Essendon’s key target against the Demons.

Wright booted four goals and was a major aerial presence, highlighted by a superb third-quarter display where he kicked two long-range set shots to keep the Dons within touching distance.

Wright now has nine goals in three games and with young gun Harrison Jones still rehabbing his ankle injury and Kaine Baldwin gaining valuable experience in the VFL, Wright will have to continue to be the main man to spearhead the Dons’ attack.

3. Dons win clearances but Dees claim contested possessions

It was positive signs for Essendon’s midfield group after coming up against one of the AFL’s most dominant stoppage teams and holding their own.

The Bombers won clearances 39-32 against the Dees, highlighting the vast improvement from round one’s trouncing by Geelong.

While set-piece plays were won, the Demons did edge the Bombers 131-117 in contested possessions, which will be another focus area for the Dons ahead of a crunch clash with the Crows.

3. Demons’ spread

With Melbourne losing ground in set plays, a big part of the Demons’ win came from uncontested possessions.

The Dees had 32 more uncontested marks and won uncontested possessions 241-184, highlighting their ability to spread quickly and pin-point disposals through the Bombers’ team defence.

Essendon will be hopeful of tightening the ability for teams to possess the ball more against its ahead of matching up against the youthful and fast-paced Crows, who have shown their capability of quick ball movement.