Essendon locked the ball in its attacking half for 75% of the first seven minutes of the term.  Kyle Langford kicked his third goal of the game in this period.

The Bombers recorded the first seven scoring shots of the term for a return of two goals five behinds and a lead of 21 points.

After Carlton kicked the first two goals of the game, Essendon slotted the next seven including two to Joe Daniher from conventional set shots.

The Bombers created 12 Carlton turnovers in the first 13 minutes of the term and kicked 2.5.17 from these opportunities.  20 of Essendon's first 51 points came from scoring opportunities launched from defence.

Zach Merrett (20), Brendon Goddard (18) and Matt Dea (15) are the leading ball winners for the Bombers.

Joe Daniher and Kyle Langford have three goals each.