A blistering start propelled Essendon to a 15-point VFL victory over Coburg at DSV Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Bombers took full advantage of a hefty breeze early, booting the first six goals unanswered to take a 38-point lead into the first change.
Withstanding a combative reply from Coburg, sturdy defensive efforts and patient build-up play saw the Bombers hold onto a five-goal break at the half, as tempers flared throughout a tense quarter of footy.
A see-sawing third quarter saw a total of nine majors kicked, the Dons holding steady with a 24-point lead at the final break to eventually secure the win.
Midfielder Will Setterfield led the way in his second game back from injury, registering 29 disposals and five clearances in a strong display.
Ruckman Nick Bryan added upon his terrific string of VFL performances this season, finishing with 23 disposals, 42 hit-outs and a goal.
Returning from an adductor strain setback, James Stewart was a dangerous presence up forward, finishing with five goals and causing headaches for the Lions’ defence all afternoon.
In the absence of Kaine Baldwin (AFL emergency), forward-turned-defender Sam Weideman stood up with some crucial marks late in the piece, also getting involved on the counter with 23 disposals of his own.
The class of Alwyn Davey Jnr was on display for the Bombers, jagging two goals from his 18 disposals and creating several scoring opportunities for Stewart and attack partner Pat Voss.
Captain Billy Cootee and defender Joel Fitzgerald again stood out with solid efforts, while Alastair Lord topped off an impressive second half of his season with a 24-disposal outing.
ESSENDON 6.4 9.7 13.8 15.10 (100)
COBURG 0.2 4.7 9.8 12.13 (85)
Goals: Stewart 5, Voss 2, Davey Jnr 2, Setterfield, McDonald-Tipungwuti, McCarty, Bryan, Hallows, Jorgensen
Best: Bryan, Stewart, Cootee, Setterfield, Davey Jnr, Fitzgerald
Image: Gallivant Photography.
