Essendon midfielder Travis Colyer says the side’s ability to win the ball in the middle of the ground was crucial in the side’s victory over West Coast.

The Bombers won by 61 points and dominated most of the match.

The Dons held sway in the centre clearances (18-10) and contested possession (143-112) providing fast entries to a forward line that is becoming more potent with each match.

“At the centre bounce we were really able to get on top and the way we moved the ball when we turned it over was just fantastic,” Colyer said.

“They’ve got a really good defence that drops off and intercept marks and we were able to stem that.

“If you win it on the inside and get our contest right then those guys on the outside don’t really have much impact.

“I think that’s where it started, the guys on the inside did some fantastic work.”

Zach Merrett led the way with 37 possessions, David Zaharakis continued his good form with 31 disposals and Jobe Watson collected 30.

The Dons were able to generate a score from 65 per cent of their forward 50 entries.

Volume of forward entries has been an issue for the Dons (they’re ranked 16^th), but they’ve been able to make the most of their opportunities.

“We want to get more inside 50s because of the efficiency of our forward line,” Colyer said.

“I think today we were better but we’ve got a fair way to go … but the way our forward line is coming together with the big guys and the small guys is really impressive and is going to hold us in good stead for the rest of the season.”

The Bombers are now knocking on the door of the top eight with five wins from their opening nine games.

“I think the last two weeks in the way we’ve prepared, planned and implemented was really good,” Colyer said.

“It’s fantastic to get a win but to beat a team that has been touted as top four is always great.” 

Essendon play against Richmond in the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash this Saturday.