Essendon's VFLW side has fallen short in a nail biter at Mission Whitten Oval.
After a tight first quarter, the Dogs hit the front just after the break and held the lead for the rest of the match, ending up taking home the win by two points.
The Bombers welcomed back Georgia Nanscawen who led from the front all day and finished with 27 touched and 8 tackles.
Captain Eloise Chasten was also a strong contributor finishing 19 touches and 3 clearances, whilst young gun Amy Taylor continued her strong form finishing the match with 20 disposals, 4 tackles and 3 clearances.
The last quarter saw both sides pepper the goals with Essendon the only side to kick a major, but it wasn't enough in the end with the home team finishing the match in front and securing the four points.
Essendon now turns its attention to the Southern Saints who they'll face at Home at the NEC Hangar, next Saturday at 2:30pm.
Final scores:
Western Bulldogs: 4.4.28
Essendon Bombers: 3.8.26
Essendon's best:
Nanscawen, Taylor, Chaston, Molan.