A blistering seven minutes in the third term was decisive as the Bombers recorded a 61-point win over St Kilda.

The Dons booted four quick goals to turn a half time lead of 28 points into a 50-point advantage midway through the third quarter.

“The boys were awesome around the footy, they got the ball going our way into our forward half,” Essendon defender Martin Gleeson said.

“Then I think we set the ground up pretty well and were able to lock it in and get repeat entries which is the way we want to play.”

Gleeson was a key part of a defensive unit that kept the Saints to just two goals in the first half and four to three quarter time.

Their final tally of seven goals equals their lowest return of the year.

In the absence of Tim Membrey, quelling the impact of Saints forwards Josh Bruce and Nick Riewoldt was paramount.

Michael Hartley and Michael Hurley did just that restricting the Saints pair to just two goals combined.

“Between them (Hartley and Hurley) they hardly ever lose a one on one battle,” Gleeson said.

“You try to get back to support them as much as you can, but if you can’t you know the ball is at least going to come to ground or they’ll win it.

“They’re playing awesome footy which is great for the team.”

Gleeson continued his good form finishing with 19 disposals and taking ten marks (three contested).

“It’s something I went away from at the start of the year,” he said.

“I like to try and get off my man and help my teammates.

“I had a few chats to a few coaches and they said go back to your strengths.

“I’ve just got to keep building on it every week and I’ve been training pretty hard in that area so hopefully it keeps improving.”