A five-goal performance from Orazio Fantasia has led Essendon to an important 37-point win over Collingwood.

The Magpies kicked the opening two goals and dominated the early exchanges but from midway through the first quarter the Bombers took control.

At half time the margin was 27 points and despite the Pies drawing within 15 points midway through the third term, the Bombers were more efficient and able to find the steadying goal when needed.

Fantasia said despite leading for most of the match, there are plenty of areas the Bombers can improve.

“Obviously there were a few patches where we didn’t play our best footy – the first ten minutes of the first quarter and the first ten minutes of the second quarter as well,” Fantasia said.

“Our pressure and our contest weren’t to our expectations.

“There are still a lot of areas for improvement which is good – we can go to the next level.”

The wins sees the Bombers move to tenth on the ladder, one game out of the top eight.

“It was a good win for our finals campaign and hopefully we can push towards that – it’s obviously an end goal,” Fantasia said.

“I think in the previous weeks we’ve been in good form but we’ve just had a couple of lapses.

“If we keep rolling the way we’ve been playing for the next couple of weeks I think we’ll play some good footy.”

Fantasia now has 32 goals for the season.

The match was not without controversy with Zach Merrett needing treatment after an incident involving Levi Greenwood and several scuffles breaking out throughout the game.

Fantasia was at the centre of a couple, but said it didn’t distract him from the game.

“They were getting into me a little bit but it’s always good fun … I give a bit back – a bit of lip – and it’s good fun,” he said.