The Bombers burst out of the block with the first two goals of the match before five unanswered goals to North Ballarat had the game in the balance.
It was just all tied up at the first change before Essendon began to drift away from the Roosters in front of a thousand fans at Windy Hill.
Leroy Jetta showed poise and class to set the Bombers up out of the middle once again finishing with 30 disposals along with Nick O’Brien who also found plenty of the ball with 30 touches.
O’Brien taking a couple of important overhead marks early in the last quarter to quell any Roosters comeback.
O’Brien’s name sake Zac was also superb finishing with a game high 32 possessions and 12 marks finding good position on the field and using the ball well.
Matthew Bate was an important target up forward bringing the ball to ground well and finishing his opportunities to end with three goals.
Cory Dell’Olio also finished with three.
Tom Bellchambers and David Hille toiled hard in the ruck all day giving the Bombers midfield first use of the ball on most occasions.
Anthony Tipungwuti and Alex Browne both played well from half back setting up the forwards.
Essendon 18.17.125
North Ballarat 13.8.86
Goals: Dell’Olio 3, Bate 3, Bellchambers 2, Jetta 2, Duscher 2, P. Ambrose, Hille, M. Ambrose, Firman, Z. O’Brien.
Best: N. O’Brien, Z. O’Brien, Bate, Tipungwuti, Jetta, Lovett-Murray, Hille.
