Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was quiet in the first half, but his first two possessions in the third term led to two goals to Jayden Laverde.

The Dons kicked those goals on the back of a 6-1 edge in the clearances.

Josh Begley booted his fourth goal of the game in the third term. He’s spent the majority of the match playing in the forward line. He also set McDonald-Tipungwuti up for a last quarter goal.

Last year playing for the Eastern Ranges, Begley won the TAC Cup club's goalkicking award. He averaged 17 possessions (nine contested) and almost two goals a game in 15 appearances, including 14 goals in his first three outings.

The Bombers trailed by four points at the last change. This was despite the Suns having a strong advantage in clearances (29-21), inside 50’s (46-27) and contested possessions (118-86).

Essendon started well in the last term with goals to McDonald-Tipungwuti and Josh Green.  With five minutes to play, the margin was three points in favour of the Bombers.  But the Suns finished strongly kicking two goals in the final three minutes to secure the win.

A strong second half from Jobe Watson saw him finish as the Dons leading possession winner alongside Darcy Parish with 24.  Begley led the goalkicking with four.