Essendon has recorded a pulsating five-point win over Werribee at Windy Hill on Sunday.

Jye Menzie was the hero in the 10.14 (74) to 10.9 (69) victory, snapping a last-minute goal to nudge the Bombers ahead on the score line and secure the side’s eighth win of the season.

The match was a see-sawing contest, heavily affected by a strong wind towards the left broadcast side.

After giving away a four-goal to start in the first quarter, the Dons responded with four unanswered goals of their own in the second term to take a seven-point lead into the main break.

VFL debutant and Bombers’ father/son prospect Alwyn Davey provided a dazzling first-half highlight with a forty-metre snap goal.

Up against the wind in the third term, Essendon held strong despite losing the quarter four goals to two, setting up a thrilling final term.

After scoring the first two of the final stanza, Essendon hit the front via a goal to Alec Waterman. But Werribee would not lie down, with a major from Martin Brennan giving the away side the lead with just minutes to spare.

Enter Jye Menzie, with the mid-season draftee producing a classic front and centre crumb to snap truly and give the Bombers decisive lead.

Midfielder Brayden Ham was enormous with 27 disposals and five tackles in a dominant display.

In defence, Aaron Francis was a rock with 18 disposals and 10 marks, while Andrew Phillips shone in the ruck with 46 hitouts.

Essendon have the bye to finish off the season, meaning the Dons leave 2022 on a high and optimism for continual growth next year.

ESSENDON 0.3 4.9 6.10 10.14 (74)
WERRIBEE 4.1 4.2 8.7 10.9 (69)  

Goals: Menzie (2), Voss (2), Cutler, Jones, Lord, Davey, Reid, Waterman