Essendon VFL’s season is over after going down to Williamstown in Sunday afternoon’s Preliminary Final.

It was a gallant effort from the VFL Dons to fall just one win short of a Grand Final after a terrific season.

After a tight first half, the Bombers were just five points down at the main break.

Williamstown exerted its dominance early in the third term booting five of the first six goals to skip away to a 26-point lead.

But in a phenomenal third quarter, the Bombers answered the challenge to kick the next five goals and head into the final change with a five-point lead.

Polkinghorne was the hero after he was swung forward to boot three goals.

But the Seagulls managed to hold on to a slender lead late in the match, kicking two early majors in the final quarter.

VFL Coach Hayden Skipworth said he couldn’t be prouder of the Bombers’ efforts.

“They kept fighting with a couple of guys down, and they kept willing themselves in the contest,” he said.

“They’re a fantastic group to coach, and unfortunately couldn’t make the Grand Final, but the support we had here today from everyone was excellent.”

Skipworth admitted he was pleased with the season from the group as a whole and the way they conducted themselves.

“They kept trying all year,” he said.

“They had a fantastic season overall and we could not question their effort. The way they gelled and the environment they created was second to none.

“I’ve got to thank the leaders of the VFL for that, obviously one being Matty Little (VFL Operations Manager) who created a great program.

“They certainly gave it a crack, but just fell short in the end.”

Essendon 12.18 (90) defeated by Williamstown 15.12 (102)

Goals

Essendon: J. Polkinghorne 3, K. Hardingham 3, D. Coghlan 2, S. Edwards, N. O’Brien, C. McKenna, J. Thompson.