Essendon VFL fell to the Demons by 22 points on a blustery Sunday afternoon in Casey.

The Bombers conceded the first four goals against the breeze but managed to steady after the first change, with small forward Jayden Davey snaring a couple of goals in the second term.

Despite quelling Casey’s momentum and generally looking strong around the contest after quarter time, Essendon struggled to move the ball meaningfully in the wet conditions and couldn’t bridge the early gap heading into the final break.

Driven by a 10-disposal final quarter from Tom Toma and a long-range goal from Jye Menzie (his third of the day), Casey’s lead was cut to just five points after 10 minutes of play in the final term, giving the Dons hope.

Ultimately, Essendon’s willingness to get forward and create an outnumber inside 50 opened up opportunities for Casey to respond on the counter, which Jack Billings obliged with a couple of goals to seal the result for the home side.

Ben Hobbs led the charge and relished the challenging conditions for most of the day, racking up 30 disposals, 11 tackles and seven clearances prior to being rested at three-quarter-time, while Elijah Tsatas finished with 34 touches and 14 clearances.

Ben Hobbs was a standout for the Dons. (Photo: Gallivant Photography)

Sam Weideman (12 disposals, nine marks) was a strong aerial presence in his return from suspension, recovering from a nasty head cut to get back onto the field for the last quarter and provide a steady hand in defence.

Essendon have a VFL bye this week, before they build into the final month of the home-and-away campaign.

CASEY     4.4     7.5     10.11     13.12     (90)
ESSENDON        0.1     4.4     7.6     10.8     (68) 

GOALS
Menzie 3, J. Davey 3, Visentini, Toma, Jedwab, A. Davey

BEST 
Hobbs, Hately, Tsatas, Menzie, J. Davey, Setterfield, O'Neill