North Melbourne star Ben Cunnington entered Saturday afternoon’s clash with Essendon averaging 28 disposals, 17 contested possessions and eight clearances this year.

He left Marvel Stadium with just 15 disposals (only three kicks), two clearances and zero marks under his belt – all season lows.

That isn’t necessarily a reflection of the quality of the gun Roo, but it does reflect the simply sensational work of young Bomber Dylan Clarke in quashing his influence during Essendon’s stunning five-point victory.

It was another huge success for Clarke who has quickly become one of the league’s best taggers, adding Cunnington to an ever-growing list of guns (including Blue Patrick Cripps, Hawk Jaeger O’Meara and Swan Luke Parker) he has been able to contain.

In the process, Clarke claimed 13 disposals, three inside 50s and 12 crunching tackles (double the next best on the ground) himself to clearly emerge victorious in his own personal battle.

The 20-year-old humbly talked down his personal efforts after the game, instead crediting his teammates for helping him maintain control over his opponent.

“I was pretty happy, but I think I got a lot of help from my teammates as well, just their ability to cover their man and not get sucked in (to the contest),” Clarke said.

Clarke celebrates the nail-biting win with Kyle Langford. (Image: AFL Photos)

The task was always going to be tough for the on-ball brigade against the in-form Kangaroos, but the group passed the test with flying colours, leading disposals 358 to 311, clearances 44 to 32, inside 50s 61 to 50, contested possessions 154 to 153 and tackles 73 to 52.

Clarke said versatility is a key weapon for the Bombers’ midfield, while he was particularly impressed by the performance of ruckman Zac Clarke who fought brilliantly against North big man Todd Goldstein to claim 12 disposals, six marks, a team-high six clearances and three inside 50s. 

“I thought the boys did really well. ‘Zed Clackers’, against Toddy Goldstein, did a super job.

“The way we can flick numbers through and having everyone able to come and play their role really helps the boys.”

Clarke admitted the dying stages of the thrilling clash were “pretty crazy” as star Bomber Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti snapped a remarkable goal to put the Dons back in front with just 20 seconds remaining.

“I thought we had pretty good control of where the game was at for that last three or four minutes, we just couldn’t really convert,” he said.

“(We got) that quick ball in and I’m not sure how ‘Walla’ kicked that. That surreal feeling post-game was unbelievable.”

Essendon has now won six of its last eight games, including the last three by narrow margins, and Clarke said that experience proved crucial as the team fought to the line.

“We’ve won a few over the last month and a bit and they’ve definitely been tough games.

“In a lot of them we’ve come from behind in the last quarter, so it’s a real credit to the boys in terms of showing a bit of grit and really playing out the games.

“We have that belief now that regardless of the score, we can always manage to get on top.”

The Bombers now have a short turnaround into another massive match against Adelaide on Friday night and Clarke said the squad will enter the game with some confidence.

“It’s a six-day break and they’re tough, Adelaide is a quality side as well, but we’ll definitely go in with good belief that against any team, we can match them.”