Key match-ups

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Ariel Steinberg on Jeremy Howe

Michael Hurley on Jesse Hogan

Mark Baguley on Jeff Garlett

James Gwilt on Chris Dawes

Midfield

Nick O’Brien on Nathan Jones

Jack Viney on Dyson Heppell

Forward

Lynden Dunn on Cale Hooker

Tom McDonald on Joe Daniher

Essendon started promisingly with the majority of the first first quarter spent in the Dons forward half.

James Gwilt had the Bombers first shot at goal.  The resultant video referral reversed the goal umpires call and only a point was awarded.

Melbourne then wrested some ascendancy and kicked the opener before Ben Howlett answered for the Bombers.

Brendon Goddard gathered ten possessions in the first 14 minutes of the game after having only seven during last week’s loss to St Kilda.

Alex Browne was taken off early in the second quarter to have a head knock assessed.  The sub, Jason Ashby, has been activated. 

Joe Daniher took a strong contested mark late in the second quarter to give the Bombers the lead, but the Demons quickly answered to take a five point lead into the major break. 

Brent Stanton leads the possession count with 21.