Essendon has surged to a powerful 29-point win over the Western Bulldogs, 15.6 (96) to 9.13 (67), under the Friday night lights.
The Bombers put the game away with a run of six-straight goals between the third and fourth quarters in one of the club’s best ever wins under Brad Scott.
With it, Essendon improved to 3-2 on the season and responded to its disappointing Gather Round defeat to Port Adelaide, while the Dogs fell to 2-3.
It came in a game Sam Durham impressed, following Marcus Bontempelli (17 touches) all night and restricting the superstar Dogs skipper’s influence.
Elsewhere, Xavier Duursma kicked two goals from 20 disposals, while Jye Caldwell (23 touches) and Zach Merrett (27 possessions) also led the way way in the midfield
ESSENDON EDGE BACK? DONS DELIVER STIRRING WIN
Is the Essendon edge back?
The Bombers put away the Bulldogs on Friday night in stirring fashion, answering questions about their ball movement issues in one of the club’s most impressive outings under Brad Scott.
Indeed, it was a massive win for the Bombers, who entered the bout having lost nine of their last 10 matchups against the Bulldogs while emphatically responding to last week’s 69-point loss to Port Adelaide.
Even more impressively, the Dons also looked like they were about to roll over at one stage in the second term – when the Dogs had all momentum – before responding in a big way including kicking six-straight goals in a hot run between the third and fourth terms.
The Bombers’ difficulty transitioning the ball this season had been a hot topic of discussion, with Fox Footy’s David King lamenting midweek that Brad Scott’s men “can’t move the ball”.
Going into Friday night’s contest, the Bombers ranked 17th in the AFL in defensive 50 to inside 50 rate, shining an unwanted spotlight on their transition issues.
