A dominant second term propelled Essendon VFLW to a 41-point victory over Casey at Windy Hill on Saturday.

The Bombers booted five goals to one in the quarter, breaking open the contest and pushing them to fifth spot on the ladder after eight games, helping their hopes of a finals berth in their first season under Senior Coach Cherie O’Neill.

Although the Dees looked to push back in the third term, a late goal to Ava Jordan on the verge of three-quarter-time regained the ascendancy for the Bombers, who didn’t look back from there.

Emily Tassiopoulos and Tia Davidge proved the surprise one-two punch the Dons needed up forward, each booting three goals, while the inclusion of AFLW-listed midfielder Kodi Jacques (22 touches, seven clearances) added grunt to their on-ball mix.

Matilda Dyke was everywhere in the ruck, kicking a goal from 21 disposals and providing first use for Ash Melnikas (nine clearances) and Ruby Mahony (five clearances).

The Bombers won the inside 50 count 45-20 and were plus 16 in clearances, reflective of their overall dominance on the day.

Essendon look ahead to a rematch of last season’s preliminary final when they face Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium on Saturday.

ESSENDON   1.2   6.3   7.6   10.7  (67)
CASEY   0.2   1.2   4.2   4.2  (26)

GOALS
Tassiopoulos 3, Davidge 3, Orritt, Jordan, Dyke, Hunt

BEST
Dyke, Tassiopoulos, Jacques, Melnikas, Davidge