The Bombers played one of their best games of the season to knock off the in-form West Coast Eagles by 22 points at The Dome in Round 10. The Essendon side, already undermanned knowing that Hird and Fletcher were ruled out of the match, also lost Misiti and Peverill on the day but still managed to win in a fantastic team performance. Jason Johnson was superb in the mid-field, Lloyd kicked six upon return up forward, and McPhee kicked four goals from the wing. It was a confidence boosting victory over the side which was second on the ladder going into Round 10.