Round 1: Essendon 17.14 (116) def. Hawthorn 12.19 (91)

Round 2: Brisbane Lions 12.12 (84) def. by Essendon 17.9 (111)

Round 3: Carlton 7.15 (57) def. Essendon 6.6 (42)

Round 4: Adelaide Crows 24.9 (153) def. Essendon 13.10 (88)

Round 5: Essendon 15.10 (100) def. Collingwood 11.16 (82)