Essendon’s defensive unit has withstood a barrage of Collingwood forward 50 entries, to help the Dons record a memorable ANZAC Day win.

The Pies moved the ball inside 50 more than the Bombers (66-43), but the Dons backline stood tall.

Michael Hurley was crucial in both stemming the Pies forward thrusts and launching Essendon’s attack.

He had five intercepts in the opening term and ended the match with 25 disposals.

“I’m not sure what the inside 50 count was but it felt like there was a lot of them,” Hurley said.

“I think we stood up really well and I think we’re getting better week by week and seeing blokes like Mitch and Patty really grow.”

Hurley split his time between playing on the Magpies small forwards including Alex Fasolo, as well as the key position players.

“It’s probably what us ‘talls’ have to work on, every team throws different looks at you,” Hurley said.

“Mitch Brown and Patty Ambrose can both do the same thing, so it’s good to have that flexibility with the three ‘talls’.”

 The win sees the Bombers move to eighth on the ladder ahead of the match against Melbourne on Sunday.