Essendon suffered heavy defeat at hands of second placed Footscray on Sunday afternoon at Whitten Oval going down to the Western Bulldogs affiliate by 53 points.

The Bombers struggled from the outset against a much more experienced and well-drilled Bulldogs outfit in windy conditions. 

Essendon got within 20 points late in the second quarter before the Bulldogs piled on three late goals to take all of the momentum into the second half and the rest of the game.

The Bulldogs far too strong around the contest from the beginning of the match, Liam Jones the star for the home team with six goals.

Young Bomber Orazio Fantasia said after the match his side simply wasn't physical enough around the contest.

“I wouldn’t say they were a class above. They were just stronger around the contest and just spread and worked harder than us,” Fantasia said.

AFL listed Bombers Leroy Jetta and Jake Melksham were two of the better players on the day for the Bombers collecting plenty of the ball through the midfield.

Fantasia said the senior experience of the pair shone through.

“They’ve got good directional voice and they always lead from the front," he said.

“They see the game a lot better than you do being a younger player so it’s good to have them in the side."

The Bombers face the bye next week with still a very strong chance of playing finals this season.

Essendon: 9.9.(63)

Footscray: 17.14.(116)

Goals: Tipungwuti, Kavanagh, Hardingham 2, Jetta, Kefford, Duscher
Best: Steinberg, Fantasia, Tipungwuti, Jetta, Hardingham, Aylett, Duscher