The Bombers started the second half brightly recording three of the first four inside 50s and winning the uncontested possession count (17-9) in the first five minutes.

By the eight minute mark Essendon had kicked three of the first four goals of the third quarter to take a 17-point lead.

When Cale Hooker kicked his second of the quarter the margin was 23 points.

Zach Merrett picked up eight possessions in the ten-minute patch where the Dons took control of the game.

The Lions responded through Eric Hipwood, but Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti hit straight back after some excellent lead up play from defence involving Conor McKenna, Jobe Watson and Brendon Goddard.

The Dons kicked five goals to three in the third term on the back of a 19-8 inside 50 count. At the last change the margin was 19 points Essendon’s way.

The Bombers kicked the opening goal of the last term but the Lions hit back with the next two to leave the Dons 14 points up with 13 minutes to play.

Three goals in two minutes to the visitors, saw the Lions hit the front with seven minutes to play.

With three minutes to play McDonald-Tipungwuti leveled the scores with a snap from the boundary, but the Lions had the final say winning the important clearances in the final minutes to record an eight point victory.