In defence Mark Baguley has the job on Toby Greene, Michael Hartley is on Jonathan Patton and Michael Hurley is on Jeremy Cameron.

In the Bombers forward line Aidan Corr is going with Cale Hooker and Phil Davis is on Joe Daniher.

Essendon’s pressure was right up in the early exchanges laying ten of the first 14 tackles in the match.

But it was the Giants who kicked the first two goals, before Cale Hooker opened the Dons account.

Tom Bellchambers was an important player in the first term. His ruck work helped the Dons win the last four centre clearances.

In that time the Dons had six scoring shots (including four goals) in a ten minute burst and at quarter time the margin was 12 points in the Bombers favour.

The Giants responded with the first four goals of the second term on the back of a 9-3 inside 50 count.

David Myers ended the home side's run with the neat goal from the boundary.

The key statistical areas (inside 50s, contested possessions, clearances) are all relatively even but at half time the Dons are down by 16 points.