Key match-ups

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Michael Hurley on Jarrad Waite

Mark Baguley on Shaun Higgins

James Gwilt on Ben Brown

Midfield

Ben Jacobs on Dyson Heppell

Nick O’Brien on Nick Dal Santo

Forward

Robbie Tarrant on Cale Hooker

Scott Thompson on Joe Daniher

Essendon controlled the early stages of the match but were unable to capitalise.

Despite the Bombers enjoying a slight advantage (9-7) in the inside 50 count during the first 15 minutes, the Kangaroos kicked the first two goals.

The Bombers kicked their first with 30 seconds remaining in the first quarter when David Zaharakis found Patrick Ambrose inside 50.

Essendon kicked the first three of the second quarter through Cale Hooker, Joe Daniher and Shaun Edwards before the Kangaroos answered.

Daniher kicked his second from a free kick deep in the Dons forward line.

Brendon Goddard leads the Essendon possession count with 15.

At half time the Bombers have ten marks inside 50 and lead by eight points.