The Bombers again started the second half with Shaun McKernan, Jobe Watson, Zach Merrett and Dyson Heppell in the centre square.

Cale Hooker continued to be the Dons deepest tall target. Michael Hurley lined up on Jarryd Roughead and Mark Baguley continued his role on Cyril Rioli.

Essendon generated three inside 50’s directly from midfield intercepts during a four-minute patch midway through the third term. The Dons booted one goal in this period to bring the margin back to six points.

The Bombers turned up the pressure further during a ten-minute patch nearing three quarter time. In that period the team booted five unanswered goals to take a 16-point lead.

A free kick to Hawthorn in the dying seconds brought the margin back to ten points at the last change.

It was the Bombers efficiency that led to the side hitting the front.  They launched four inside 50's from four intercepts in a 15 minute burst in the third quarter.  The side cashed in with three goals.

Zach Merrett continued where he left off last season.  By three quarter time he had 31 disposals.  Nearing full time he was up to 36.

The Dons kicked the opening three goals of the last quarter to stretch the margin to 27 points.

Hawthorn got one back before Captain Dyson Heppell steadied the ship for the Bombers.

The Dons were making the most of their intercepts, scoring 19 per cent of the time, compared to Hawthorn's 11 per cent.

When Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicked a goal with four minutes left the Bombers led by 25 points.

The Dons were home.