The Bombers started the second half with a 55 point lead.   That’s the Dons biggest lead at the major break since they beat Melbourne by 148 points in round two, 2013.

After nine possessions in the first half, West Coast moved Jeremy McGovern into attack.

West Coast had eight of the first 11 inside 50s of the third term for a return of 1.3.9. From the Bombers three inside 50s they kicked 3.0.18 to extend the margin to 64 points. 

The relentless Essendon pressure was exemplified when Conor McKenna ran down Jack Darling as the Eagles forward was set to run into an open goal.

Late in the third term the Bombers led the clearances 27-17. From these clearances, Essendon kicked eight goals while the Eagle were goalless.

At the last change the margin was 63 points.

The sting went out of the game in the last quarter but Joe Daniher kicking his fifth for the game and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicking a goal from 55 metres out provided more joy for the Bombers fans as the Club recorded a big win over the Eagles.