Sydney has all but ended Essendon's finals hopes, with a 39-point win to all but secure the minor premiership on Friday evening.

The Bombers were overrun by the Swans in a 15.8 (98) to 8.11 (59) loss under the roof of Marvel Stadium.

It was a stagnant first half by both teams, where Essendon's immense pressure did well to slow the Swans up, disrupting their ball movement, the Bombers couldn't sustain the effort for long enough.

BOMBERS v SWANS Full match coverage and stats

While early on Sydney looked vulnerable in its back half, particularly on turnover, Essendon wasn't able to punish when in control. The home side trapped the ball in its attacking 50, forcing the Swans' defence to scramble but kicked just four goals from 36 inside 50s in the first half.

Dropped marks close to goal, or a poor decision-making when going inside 50 let the home side down, leaving it in front by just five points at the first break.

Nic Martin was the exception to that rule, slotting two early goals thanks to his cleanliness, ultimately finishing the game with three from 32 disposals.

The physicality of Sam Draper (11 disposals, one goal) proved to be a problem for Sydney in the opening half, both in the ruck and playing as a deep forward, but it was Jayden Laverde (11 intercepts, 22 disposals) who really stood strong for the Bombers down back.

Jye Caldwell was immense through the middle, recording 31 disposals and five clearances thanks to a never-say-die attitude, but it wasn't enough to limit Sydney's strength at the contest.

Different week, same story
Last week, despite maintaining control for much of the final quarter, Essendon simply couldn't close the door on Gold Coast. Unfortunately for Brad Scott's side, it was once again impotent in attack when on top, leaving opportunity for Sydney to do plenty of damage when it put the foot down. Nic Martin's opening quarter double looked a threat, but ultimately the Bombers recorded just four goals from its 36 inside 50s across the opening half, compared to Sydney's three goals from 16.

A look to the future
There was one matchup that caught the eye, as emerging Essendon defender Archie Roberts, and young Sydney forward Caiden Cleary went head-to-head. While each player had his wins throughout the game, it was an entertaining arm wrestle between the pair, both of whom look likely to have a long-term impact at their respective club. Roberts' desperate defensive efforts and intercept marking were crucial for the Bombers, while Cleary was Sydney's most likely forward for much of the game.

ESSENDON                  3.1    4.5    5.10   8.11 (59)
SYDNEY                       2.2    3.4    9.7    15.8 (98)

GOALS 
Essendon: Martin 3, Draper, Stringer, Jones, Caldwell, Langford
Sydney: Parker 3, Heeney 3, Hayward 3, Campbell 2, Amartey 2, Cleary, Florent

BEST 
Essendon: Martin, Laverde, Draper, Caldwell, Roberts
Sydney: Gulden, Blakey, Cleary, Florent, Campbell, Heeney

INJURIES 
Essendon: Nil
Sydney: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Essendon: Jye Menzie (replaced Nick Bryan in the fourth quarter)
Sydney: Corey Warner (replaced Taylor Adams in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 33,830 at Marvel Stadium