Sydney were too strong for Essendon in their VFL clash on Sunday, recording a 6.8 (44) to 19.12 (126) win at Windy Hill.

A fast start from the Swans set the tone, booting the first six goals of the game and adapting best to the breezy conditions.

Challenged by Sydney’s quick ball movement and physicality at the contest, the Bombers were forced to absorb a mountain of forward pressure throughout the first half.

After the break, the Dons pushed numbers forward in an attempt to generate quick scoreboard pressure, but the Swans took advantage on the counter to extend their lead to 75 points by the final change.

The lead ballooned out to 93 points at one stage, before a pair of late goals cut the eventual margin to 82 points.

Kaine Baldwin, Lewis Hayes and Sam Weideman fought hard defensively throughout, with Joel Fitzgerald also among the Dons’ best on the day.

The Bombers will now travel north to face Southport at Fankhauser Reserve on Saturday.

ESSENDON   0.3   2.5   3.5   6.8   (44)
SYDNEY     4.2   9.6   15.8   19.12   (126)

Goals: Wanganeen 2, Voss, Minton-Connell, McDonald-Tipungwuti, Fitzgerald

Best: Fitzgerald, Baldwin, Weideman, Tsatas, Cootee