By the midway stage of the second term Essendon had turned the ball over nine times to West Coast's three.

The home side also started to even the score around the clearances, at half time it was 24-20 the Bombers way.

After four straight Eagles goals to start the term, Joe Daniher answered with a snap from the boundary to bring the margin back to 14 points.

Zach Merrett is continuing his strong form with 13 possessions and eight tackles in the first half.  Craig Bird (16), Jackson Merrett (15) and James Kelly (15) are the leading ball winners for the Bombers.

At half time the margin is 18 points.