Essendon VFLW have secured a critical 10-point win over rivals Box Hill at home.

Sunday’s clash saw the Dons surge in the second and third quarters, holding off a late fightback from the Hawks to secure a second consecutive win in their push for a finals berth.

Conceding the opener, Essendon responded through Tayla Hart-Aluni on return, before back-to-back goals from Olivia Manfre provided handy breathing room heading into the main change.

Club debutants Sarah Perkins and Christina Bernardi marked the occasion with a goal each in the third term, with another major from Drew Ryan ballooning the Bombers’ lead to 31 points by three-quarter-time.

Despite a late push from Box Hill, the Bombers’ lead never really looked in doubt, giving their top four chances a massive boost ahead of the final few rounds of the home-and-away campaign.

Danielle Marshall was strong in defence with six marks, while Ruby Mahony led all comers through the middle with 21 disposals.

The Bombers follow up at Windy Hill when they face Carlton this Saturday.

ESSENDON     0.0     3.3     6.3    6.3   (39)
BOX HILL      1.1     1.1     1.2     4.5  (29)

GOALS
Manfre 2, Ryan, Perkins, Hart-Aluni, Bernardi

BEST
Mahony, Manfre, Marshall, Bernardi, Melnikas