Essendon’s hopes of playing VFL finals in 2014 have been dealt a major blow due to a 17-point loss to Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Bombers started the contest well to take a three point lead into quarter time before conceding the first goal of the second quarter and trailing for the remainder of the game.

Tom Bellchambers led the way for the Bombers with a strong performance in the ruck and up forward.

Bellchamebrs won the majority of the ruck contests around the ground against Magpies big man Brodie Grundy to go along with 17 disposals and two goals.

Nick O’Brien (38 disposals) and Ariel Steinberg (23 disposals and 8 marks) continued their consistent form at VFL level this season.

Patrick Karnezis (28 disposals) and Luke Ball (27 disposals) led the way for the home side.

Essendon’s attempt at a comeback looked on track in the last quarter courtesy of a Johnny Rayner goal inside the first five minutes but they failed to make the most of opportunities inside forward 50.

Jackson Merrett left the field with a limp during the second quarter and did not play any part in the second half.

In a boost for the Bombers young half back Marty Gleeson returned for his first match in over two months after recovering from quad and groin injuries.

The Bombers take on Richmond next Saturday afternoon at Highgate Reserve.

Collingwood 11.16 (82)

Essendon 9.11 (65)

Goals: Bellchambers 2, Jetta 2, Ellis, Duscher, Edwards, Ashby, Rayner.

Best: Steinberg, Bellchambers, Jetta, O’Brien, Duscher.