Essendon’s VFL side has secured its first win of the season in a dramatic one-point triumph over Coburg Lions at Windy Hill on Sunday.

With scores tied at 85 apiece and seconds remaining, a last-gasp point from forward Jake Sutton on the siren resulted in the most enthralling victory imaginable.

In a game largely held on Coburg’s terms, the Lions looked to have all the answers despite numerous challenges by Essendon throughout the contest.

The Dons clawed back to be level at half-time, but a four-goal-to-one third term to Coburg saw the Dons 19 points down at the final break and battling a Lions side holding most of the momentum.

However, two last-quarter goals to forward Kaine Baldwin and a major from soon-to-be hero Sutton helped the Bombers turn the deficit into a six-point lead with minutes remaining.

Coburg drew level soon after, however, ensuring a frantic final few minutes.

With the ball bobbling around Essendon’s forward line and a draw looking likely, a fleet-footed Sutton collected the ball, threw it on his boot from 30 metres on a tough angle, and watched the ball bounce over the behind line as the siren blew.

Elation ensued for the red and black, with the victory at Windy Hill ending an eight-straight losing streak for the Bombers.

Tom Cutler was enormous for the Bombers and did his chances of an AFL recall no harm with 33 disposals, four tackles, six clearances and a goal.

In his first game back from a calf injury, defender James Stewart was a tower of strength with 15 marks and 21 disposals.

After being omitted from Essendon’s AFL side, ruckman Nick Bryan collected 47 hitouts and 15 disposals in a dominant display, while Aaron Francis was a solid cameo up forward with two goals and seven marks.

Essendon will look to record back-to-back wins following this weekend’s bye when it faces Carlton on Saturday, June 11 at Windy Hill.

ESSENDON  3.3  7.8  8.1 12.14 (86)
COBURG  4.1  8.2  12.6  13.7 (85)

Goals: Baldwin 3, Atley 2, Francis 2, Cutler, Hird, Laguda, Rasinac, Sutton

Disposals: Cutler 33, Atley 24, Rasinac 23, Fitzgerald 21, Stewart 21