Essendon have held off a late surge from Casey to seal a critical victory for their finals hopes in 2023.
The Dons kicked the opening three goals in the 4.6 (30) to 3.7 (25) result, with the fast start proving to be crucial in surviving what became a tense final 10 minutes of the contest.
Olivia Manfre opened the Bombers’ account, before Sophie Molan and Megan Ryan goaled within a minute to take a 20-point lead into the first change.
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After an arm-wrestle across the second and third terms, the Demons timed their run late, cutting the margin to just six points entering the dying minutes with back-to-back goals.
Despite continuing to press, the Dees found themselves unable to crack the Dons, who held firm to claim a seventh win from their last nine games.
Grace Dicker and El Chaston were both solid contributors, combining for 26 tackles between them and setting the tone from the get-go.
Tamsin Crook led the charge with 15 disposals, while Manfre was the only multiple goalkicker on the ground with two majors.
The Dons now look ahead to a vital clash with ladder-leaders Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium on Sunday at 11:30am, where a win could potentially see a finals berth secured.
CASEY 0.0 1.5 1.5 3.7 (25)
ESSENDON 3.2 3.2 4.6 4.6 (30)
GOALS: Manfre 2, Ryan, Molan
Image: Nigel Barrie Photography.
