The key stats from the Dons' win over the Suns

Four-quarter footy

In a game that ebbs and flows, successfully putting together four quarters of winning footy is incredibly important.

Not only was Sunday night’s 48-point margin the Bombers' biggest of the year, it was also the first time the Dons have won every quarter individually.

Monopoly on possession

The Dons dominated the possession count 408-293, giving the Suns little opportunity to get their hands on the footy.

This marks the fifth consecutive week that the Bombers have led the possession count – a period in which the team has secured four of a possible five victories.

Making it count

Unselfish ball movement and smart decision-making allowed Essendon to enter their 50 with great success.

The Bombers were clinical, boasting an inside 50 percentage of 61.7 per cent, well above the season average of 48.2 per cent.

Grouse Guelf

Guelfi turned up the pressure gauge laying a tremendous 10 tackles, almost a fifth of the entire team’s count.

This performance is the Dons' tied highest individual tackle count for 2022, with both Caldwell and Shiel registering 10 tackles earlier in the year.

Marvellous Merrett

The three-time Crichton medallist has hit a purple patch of form and continues to be a massive contributor to Essendon’s engine room.

36 disposals, 14 score involvements, 9 clearances were all game-highs - a statistical masterclass.

Drapers' GOTY nomination 

Sam Draper produced potentially the highlight for the year, kicking what is being touted as a goal of the year contender.

In 10 seconds, Draper had perfectly roamed the centre bounce, shed a tackle and produced a classy check side finish.