Essendon VFL has set up a semi-final showdown against Footscray next weekend after eliminating Casey in the race for the 2015 VFL Premiership.

After bursting out of the blocks to kick six goals to Casey’s one in the opening term, the game tightened up significantly.

Swirly conditions made it difficult for players throughout the match with several skill errors from both sides.

Casey looked to have the upper hand in the third term as they closed within nine points of Essendon at one stage.

But the Bombers kept their noses in front all day to eventually grind out a 21-point victory and progress through to next week.

“No matter the situation or the circumstance, they always believe they can come away with the right result,” VFL Co-Coach Mark Corrigan said.

With a slender lead of 15 points at the final change, the Bombers stuck to their guns to kick the only goal of the final term.

“We couldn’t go into safe guarding, we still had to kick goals to win the game,” Corrigan said.

“We ended up playing the last quarter in our own half into the wind, which is a credit to the boys.

“Their pressure on the ball was incredible, they didn’t allow Casey any easy possessions.”

Daniel Coghlan and James Polkinghorne dominated throughout the middle. The duo combined for 49 possessions and two goals.

“Cogs was absolutely super,” Corrigan said.

“That’s one of the better games I’ve seen from a VFL player.

“His ability to win the contest, or pressure if we lost it was enormous.

“While Polky’s tacking pressure was huge, and his ability to win the cleareances is really important for us.”

Sam Taglibue played an important role on AFL-experienced ruckman Mark Jamar. Keeping Jamar to just nine touches and collecting 10 himself, Taglibue nullified Jamar’s impact immensely and gave the Bomber midfielders first use.

“We put a bit of heat on Tags before the game to give us first use or nullify Jamar,” Corrigan said.

“I thought he stuck to his guns really well and enabled us to come away with plus six clearances in the last quarter.”

The VFL Bombers’ semi-final against Footscray is likely be next Saturday at North Port Oval from 11am.

Footscray lost to Box Hill in yesterday’s Qualifying final after finishing fourth.

“It’s looking like a six-day turnaround, so it will be a lot of recovery for the boys,” Corrigan said.

“We might get a few AFL guys back, but at the same time it’s going to be hard to push guys out of the side after that performance.”

Essendon 10.10 (70) defeated Casey 7.7 (49)

Goals

Essendon: K. Hardingham 3, J. Thompson 2, D. Willis 2, D. Coghlan, J. Polkinghorne, J. Ashby

Best

Essendon: D. Coghlan, J. Polkinghorne, S. Taglibue, J. Ashby, K. Hardingham, M. Marigliani