Dyson Heppell, Jobe Watson and Zach Merrett joined Matthew Leuenberger at the centre bounce to start the second half.

Patrick Ambrose continued his battle with Darcy Moore. The Collingwood forward had two disposals in the first half.

Goals to newcomers Josh Green and James Stewart to open the third term gave the Dons a 21-point lead.

The Bombers laid nine tackles to three in the first seven minutes of the term as the margin got out to 27 points after a goal from Shaun McKernan from the boundary.

By midway through the third term Essendon had generated five goals from their 15 forward half intercepts.

Collingwood were effective from the stoppages. By three quarter time the Pies had kicked three goals from the centre bounces, but the Dons remained in front by 23 points at the last change.

Two supergoals and a goal from a free kick to Darcy Moore had the Pies in front five minutes into the last quarter. It all came on the back of 22-4 uncontested possessions as Collingwood got its running game going.

The Bombers rested Michael Hurley in the second half, while Jobe Watson and Dyson Heppell also spent extended periods on the bench.

The final margin was 11 points in Collingwood’s favour.