Essendon's VFL finals aspirations have been dealt a huge blow going down to Wiliamstown by 71-points at Highgate Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

The VFL Bombers kicked the first two goals of the game before letting Williamstown get a run on in a convincing performance.

A six goal to one second quarter setting up the victory and making the chances of a VFL finals campaign extremely hard for Hayden Skipworth’s team.

Costly turnovers out of defence and an inability to lock the ball within the forward line assisted a classy Williamstown outfit build their lead throughout the day.

Nick O’Brien was the leading disposal winner for the Bombers finishing the game with 26 disposals ahead of captain Ben Duscher who finished with 23.

Leroy Jetta showed glimpses of what he is capable of with 23 disposals and two goals while Jake Melksham also showcased his capabilities finishing with two majors and 15 disposals.

In form ruckman Sam Tagliabue struggled for most of the first half with a knee injury that sidelined him after half time.

Tagliabue’s absence led to leading goal kicker Alistair Kefford having to shoulder most of the ruck work throughout the game.

Tayte Pears showed some signs he was going to have a stand out game as a forward but was unable to convert his opportunities in front of goal.

Essendon takes on archrival Collingwood next Saturday afternoon at Victoria Park.

Essendon 8.13.61

Williamstown 20.12.132

Goals: Jetta 2, Melksham 2, Pears, Edwards, Aylett, Fantasia.

Best: Duscher, O’Brien, Jetta, Fantasia, Shultz.