Essendon started with Heath Hocking, Jobe Watson and Darcy Parish in at the centre bounce with Matthew Leuenberger. Travis Colyer and Kyle Langford are also part of the midfield rotation.

Joe Daniher and James Stewart are the tall targets in attack. Josh Begley is also playing forward and booted two first quarter goals.

Michael Hartley has the job on Peter Wright in defence. Brent Stanton, Michael Hurley, Andrew McGrath, Martin Gleeson, Jordan Ridley and Mitch Brown are also spending time in the back half.

Jake Long started the match on the wing and created the first goal of the game by forcing a Suns turnover on their defensive 50.

Gold Coast was on top early in the clearances (6-1 eight minutes in), but the Bombers were dominant on the rebound and kicked the opening four goals from six inside 50’s in this period.

The Suns continued to hold the advantage at the clearances (16-2) and contested possessions (44-27) to cut the margin to just one point at quarter time.

After another Suns goal to start the second term, Begley answered for the Bombers. The former Eastern Ranger kicked three goals from his first four possessions.

The Suns are controlling the possession (197-136 with five minutes remaining in first half) and opened up a 14 point lead nearing the main break.

Brent Stanton is one of the shining lights for the Bombers.  He was up to 15 possessions nearing half time.