Here is a look at the Bombers record during the last five years in games with a final margin of 10 points or less, including draws.

Matches: 22 Wins: 15 Losses: 6 Draws: 1

Essendon's record in tight games is strong in the past five seasons. They were particularly good in the 12 months between round 16, 2014 and round 15, 2015, when they played in seven games decided by 10 points or less and didn't lose any (one was a draw). The Dons have also had a good record in tight games interstate. In their six tight games interstate in the featured period, the Dons have come home with the points on four occasions, including two at Domain Stadium.  

Five that matter

Sydney, round 14, 2017, MCG, 11.20 (86) to 12.13 (85)

Friday night's epic encounter saw Essendon squander a 19-point lead with fewer than five minutes left in the game. Gary Rohan's goal after the siren sank the Bombers.

Hawthorn, round two, 2015, MCG, 12.6 (78) to 11.10 (76)

Cale Hooker pushed forward and snapped a brilliant goal in the dying moments to hand Essendon a famous victory in front of a joyous crowd. 

Carlton, round 23, 2014, MCG, 13.12 (90) to 14.6 (90)

The first draw of 2014 took until the final round, when the fierce rivals met in a classic at the MCG. Both sides led by four goals at different stages before Blues defender Zach Tuohy's shot levelled the scores with less than a minute remaining.

West Coast, round 14, 2013, Domain Stadium, 13.13 (91) to 15.8 (98)

Jobe Watson defied the jeers of West Coast supporters to lead his team to a strong seven-point win in Perth. Dyson Heppell sealed it with a goal late in the game.

Fremantle, round three, 2013, Domain Stadium, 10.12 (72) to 9.14 (68)

An emotional and stirring victory for the Bombers who trailed by 37 points in the second half and would have lost if Docker Chris Mayne's shot didn't hit the post in the final few seconds.