Essendon VFLW fell to Williamstown by 18 points in a tough away clash at DSV Stadium on Saturday morning.

The Gulls were on top for most of the day in windy conditions, booting the first three goals in the opening half to establish a crucial lead and quelling many of the Dons’ attacking efforts.

Dangerous forward Tayla Hart-Aluni provided a spark for the Bombers with a goal on the verge of the main break, but Williamstown held firm in a low-scoring second half to secure the win.

Bailey Hunt finished among the Dons’ best with 15 touches and nine tackles, while skipper El Chaston and defender Scarlett Orritt also put in solid shifts for the away side.

The Dons have put in admirable back-to-back efforts against strong sides in Carlton and now the ladder leaders in Williamstown, showing good signs in some big tests as the home-and-away season nears its end.

Essendon’s push for a VFLW finals appearance will now be decided in the final week of the home-and-away season, currently two points clear in the top six ahead of their clash with Geelong at Windy Hill on Saturday.

WILLIAMSTOWN     1.1     3.2     4.4    4.4   (28)
ESSENDON      0.0     1.2     1.3   1.4  (10)

GOALS
Hart-Aluni

BEST
Hunt, Mahony, Chaston, Melnikas, Ford