A last minute goal to Daniel Younan and a match-saving mark to Aaron Francis have helped secure Essendon VFL a six point win over ladder leading Box Hill.
Younan booted four goals, including the match winning set shot from 40 metres out.
The former Coburg player finished with 12 disposals, three marks and a tackle.
Nick O’Brien was the major ball winner finishing with 28 disposals. It was the skipper’s first game back since round 14.
The Dons were slow out of the blocks as Box Hill made the most of a strong breeze in the first quarter, racing to a 44 point lead.
But the tide turned in the second quarter, as the Bombers booted eight unanswered goals to take a six point lead into the major break.
It became more of an arm wrestle in the second half with the game in the balance in the final term.
Michael Luxford kicked a goal from the centre square with the ball bouncing through to tie the scores.
Nine minutes later, Younan broke the deadlock to put the Bombers a goal up. With just seconds left the Hawks drove the ball deep into their forward line, but Francis rose in front of the pack to take a strong mark and save the game for the Dons.
Essendon 14.5.89
Box Hill 12.11.83
Best: Hocking, Bird, Younan, O'Brien, Begley, Hartley
Goals: Younan 4, Boyse 2, Luxford 2, Begley, McKernan, Darby, Davis, Draper, Hocking
Disposals: Bird 28, O’Brien 28, Mutch 22, Hartley 21, Long 20
