Essendon secure back-to-back VFL wins.
Essendon VFL added to a winning weekend for Bomber fans on Saturday afternoon, beating out Port Melbourne by 26 points at ETU Stadium.
Led by impressive performances from their predominantly AFL-listed midfield brigade, the Bombers began to convert on their clearance dominance in the second half and were able to run away from a competitive Borough outfit.
A back-and-forth opening saw Port Melbourne win the territory battle but fail to convert, with Jayden Davey, Bailey Scott and Jye Menzie pouncing early to hit the scoreboard at the other end.
The centre bounce ascendancy from ruck Nick Bryan (20 disposals, 50 hit-outs, eight clearances) became increasingly apparent as the day wore on, providing first use and a welcome presence around the ground.
A run of three quick goals to the Dons in the second term looked to have generated a handy buffer, but Port Melbourne replied with four consecutive majors to take a slim four-point lead into the break.
Despite facing their third-quarter challenges this season, the Bombers burst out of the blocks to record a five-goal-to-two term, with Vigo Visentini moving forward to important effect and slotting a couple of goals.
Will Setterfield (22 touches, nine clearances) added two goals of his own in a well-rounded display, while the Davey twins also found themselves in nice touch going forward with two goals each.
While the Borough stayed in the fight throughout the final term, Essendon capitalised on some ill-disciplined moments to steer clear of the home side with three goals in the final 10 minutes, timing their run home well.
Archie Roberts was a standout for the Dons, continuing his consistent run of VFL form in his debut season and piecing together arguably his best game to date with 32 disposals, seven marks and an important late goal.
In defence, Will Hoare played a critical role as an interceptor, taking 10 marks from 18 disposals in an impressive display, while Matthew Foley continued a purple patch from the last month with another 21-disposal effort rebounding off half back.
The Dons will be keen to build off their two-game win streak when they face Casey away next Sunday.
PORT MELBOURNE 2.5 7.8 9.10 11.15 (81)
ESSENDON 3.1 7.4 12.8 16.11 (107)
GOALS
Visentini 2, Setterfield 2, Menzie 2, Eckersley 2, A. Davey 2, J. Davey 2, Scott, Roberts, O’Neill, Nyko
BEST
Bryan, Roberts, Setterfield, Tsatas, Hoare, Foley