After set-shot misses at either end of the ground Conor McKenna kicked the first goal of the second half to extend the Bombers lead to 33 points.

The Bombers controlled the territory early in the third quarter and Josh Green’s second goal of the game opened up a 39 point lead five minutes into the half.

Another screamer to Joe Daniher led to the Dons third goal in five minutes and opened up a 45-point advantage.

David Zaharakis made it four goals in six minutes and the margin was 50 points.

The Dons opening four goals of the quarter came from turnovers won in the forward half.

The Saints moved Jake Carlisle into attack midway through the third quarter. Michael Hartley took that match-up with Michael Hurley shifting to Josh Bruce. Nick Riewoldt moved to the wing and Sam Gilbert was shifted on to Joe Daniher.

Tom Bellchambers marked strongly to cancel out a goal to Saints debutant Josh Battle.

Michael Hurley then drifted forward to put the Dons 55 points up with three minutes left in the third quarter.

A second goal to Bellchambers after the three quarter time siren was the full stop on a seven goal to two quarter and the Dons were in control entering the last term.

The Saints kicked the first three goals on the fourth quarter to cut the margin to 38 points with 13 minutes remaining.

Cale Hooker ended their run of goals when he nailed a set shot from outside 50 to get the margin back to 44 points with eight minutes left.

Travis Colyer's first goal of the night followed before Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti and David Myers put the icing on the cake in an impressive Essendon win.