Essendon succumbed to a 72-point VWFL defeat against St Kilda at MSAC on Sunday.

The Saints’ pressure and pace proved an early hurdle for the Bombers, shooting out to an early lead and forcing turnovers.

The Dons improved over the course of the second half, generating more scoring opportunities against a solid Saints defence.

Scott van Gemert and Caleb Logan worked their way into the game nicely, while mid-season recruit Hayden Farley made his senior debut in promising signs for the team.

Both the community and senior sides for the Bombers will have a bye this weekend, before looking ahead to a clash with Collingwood the following week.

ESSENDON   4.5      (29)
ST KILDA       15.11     (101)