Essendon started with pace in attack with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and Courtenay Dempsey starting in the forward 50.  Joe Daniher, Shaun McKernan, Jayden Laverde and Nick Kommer were also in attack.  Carlton's Sam Rowe has the job on Daniher.

Mitch Brown is lining up in defence where he is playing on Jack Silvagni.  Patty Ambrose is on Liam Jones, Conor McKenna is on Matthew Wright, Matt Dea is on Dylan Buckley and Michael Hartley is on Levi Casboult.

Kyle Langford has spent time in the midfield this season, but was part of the forward line rotation in the first term.  He kicked the Dons first two goals, with the second coming from a contested mark.

Essendon won four of the first five clearances in the game.  After the Blues kicked the first two goals, the Bombers started to gain some territorial dominance.  The inside 50's were 11-7 Essendon's way, 18 minutes into the term.

Brendon Goddard (12), James Kelly (10) and Matt Dea (7) are the leading ball winners for the Bombers.