Werribee has handed Essendon VFL its third consecutive loss on a wet, windy Sunday afternoon at the NEC Hangar, prevailing 10.11 (71) to 8.5 (53). 

The Dons opened proceedings kicking with the breeze and got off to a flyer, taking a 22-point lead into the first change through a couple of brilliant Quinton Narkle goals. 

However, the second term showcased a clear scoring end for the day, as Werribee piled on five unanswered majors to break away to a 34-22 lead at the main break. 

With the Bombers teetering, the move of Kaine Baldwin forward turned the tide back in their favour throughout the third quarter. 

Two goals each to both Baldwin and Tex Wanganeen restored Essendon’s lead as the contest started to get tense and chippy between the two sides, the Dons clinging to a 46-43 lead heading into the final term.  

Despite a relative arm wrestle in the first 15 minutes of the quarter, highlighted by a team-lifting goal from Pat Voss to force another lead change, Werribee timed their run home to perfection.  

Two Sam Paea goals in quick succession brought back Werribee’s ascendancy, before Bior Malual put the result beyond doubt after kicking truly from a costly 50m penalty. 

It continues a challenging month for the Dons, who now sit 15th after dropping three of their last four games.  

Fans can be buoyed by the performance of Baldwin, who looked equally solid in defence prior to his move back into familiar territory at centre half-forward, he finished with 19 disposals, seven marks and two goals in difficult conditions for a tall.  

Rhett Montgomerie continues to impress in an intercepting role across half back, providing several key contests throughout the day and taking 11 marks in the process. 

Nick Bryan and Massimo D’Ambrosio built on their solid VFL output, with Bryan dominant in his ruck contests around the ground, and D’Ambrosio’s run a prominent factor in the first half. 

Will Snelling and Billy Cootee were also typically workmanlike with an equal game-high 10 tackles each in the wet. 

Essendon will look to bounce back as they make the trip north to take on Brisbane next Sunday. 

ESSENDON          3.4    3.4    7.4   8.5 (53)  
WERRIBEE           0.0    5.4    6.7   10.11 (71)  

GOALS 

Wanganeen, Narkle, Baldwin (2), Voss, Brown.    

BEST 

Montgomerie, Baldwin, D’Ambrosio, Snelling, Narkle, Bryan.