Carlton kicked the opening three goals of the third quarter to take the lead for the first time in the game.

In the period stretching from the 20 minute mark of the first quarter to the 16 minute mark of the third quarter the Blues kicked 6.3 to Essendon’s 0.11.

A Ben Howlett snap ended the Dons run of points and saw the side retake the lead at the 17 minute mark of the third term.

The Captain Dyson Heppell then converted a set shot from outside 50 to extend the margin to nine points.

Carlton hit back with the next two goals to take a four point lead into the final quarter.

A free kick to the Blues four minutes into the last term saw the Dons deficit extended to ten points.

Joe Daniher immediately responded but the Blues seemingly had the answers.

After back-to-back posters, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked a goal to cut the margin to four points at the 20 minute mark.

Having missed two set shots earlier in the quarter, Cale Hooker nailed a set shot to put the Bombers in front by three points at the 25 minute mark.

Before Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuit kicked his second goal of the last quarter to seal the win for the Dons.