Essendon produced arguably their most consistent four-quarter effort of 2025 so far in a 39-point win over Melbourne on Saturday night.

Despite being challenged in the third term of the Gather Round primetime outing, the Dons rallied again to kick away late and secure a second win on the bounce – in large part thanks to an even spread of contributors across the ground.

Here are the stats that mattered, thanks to Fujitsu:

Setterfield makes instant impact

Combating two strong bodies in Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca as a midfield group is no easy task but Will Setterfield was up to the challenge in his first game of the season.

The 192cm on-baller adds a welcome point of difference to the Dons’ midfield mix with his strong frame and presence over the ball, which was felt throughout the contest – a game-high 29 pressure acts and 10 tackles reflective of his impact on the inside.

Setterfield has averaged more than 20 touches per game in all three of his seasons as a Bomber so far despite his share of injury troubles, looking to stay on the park and continue his good form into a big month ahead.

Strike rate and pressure – Dons make moments count 

Although Essendon lost out in the inside 50 and clearance counts, their efficiency was reflected on the stats sheet.

Essendon registered an 82.3 intercept strike rate compared to Melbourne’s 45.8 and beat out the Dees 107.3 to 64.4 in terms of clearance strike rate.*

*‘Intercept strike rate’ and ‘clearance strike rate’ are extrapolated stats measured by Champion Data as reflections of a team’s efficiency in a certain statistical area rather than volume.

In total, the Bombers outscored the Demons 52-27 from intercepts and 44-29 from clearances, showing their proactivity and ability to capitalise on opposition error.

Arguably the most glaring positive for the Bombers was their defensive intensity, especially in the back half – a whopping 45-8 win in the count for defensive 50 pressure acts. 

Midfielders get to work

Relishing more centre bounce opportunity, Ben Hobbs made the most of 63 per cent game time with a well-rounded display.

The young midfielder recorded 20 touches, five clearances and two goals, also going at 80 per cent efficiency from his clearances.

Sam Durham also racked up five clearances but his sheer yardage was just as prominent – 516 metres gained from 25 touches reflective of his industrious start to the year in the engine room.

Zach Merrett continues to showcase his standing as one of the game’s truly elite players and leaders. Along with 37 touches (14 contested), Merrett had 12 ground ball gets, integral in tight situations.

Defenders produce mature performances

With Melbourne winning the inside 50 count, the Dons needed stability behind the ball and they had plenty of it.

Ben McKay and Andrew McGrath led all comers on the night for intercept possessions (eight) while McKay also registered six spoils at crucial stages.

Emerging key Zach Reid has shown terrific composure with ball in hand over the last couple of weeks, going at 90 per cent disposal efficiency, Nic Martin also following suit at 89 per cent efficiency from his 28 disposals.

Mason Redman's late long-range bomb iced another solid outing for the defender, who's started 2025 in great touch - another 329 metres gained from 22 disposals.

High-flying Draper shoulders ruck duties

With Nick Bryan going down to an ACL injury, Sam Draper took on the majority of the game’s ruck contests (along with Harry Jones) and took the challenge right up to Max Gawn.

Draper finished with a career-high 22 touches, a game-high four contested marks (including a hanger on the wing), gained 470 metres with the ball and was involved in six scoring chains.

Menzie’s big night 

After registering eight score involvements from 10 touches in round three, Jye Menzie backed up his work with a starring role on Saturday night.

Three first-half goals put the Dees’ defence under plenty of heat, before capping his night with a clever goal assist for Jade Gresham at a critical point of the game and a last-second goal to finish the night with four.