Essendon’s multi dimensional forward rose to the challenge in the 27-point win over North Melbourne.

The victory saw six players kick multiple goals for the Dons led by Cale Hooker who booted five, including four in the last quarter.

Orazio Fantasia took his season’s tally to 36 after he kicked four goals. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti added three goals, while key position players Joe Daniher and James Stewart kicked two goals each.

Midfielders Dyson Heppell (two goals), David Zaharakis (one) and Darcy Parish (one) also hit the scoreboard.

“All year we haven’t necessarily been relying on one or two forwards, we get a really good spread,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“We’re going to continue to build that.”

The Bombers recorded 23 inside 50s to the Kangaroos 35 in the opening two quarters, but the Dons potency in the forward half ensured the side kept pace despite the Roos territorial edge.

By the final siren the Dons had almost squared the inside 50 count (57-61).

“Some of our ball movement going inside 50 early was pretty average,” Worsfold said.

“We kicked it short and they got picked off by North players who were rolling back into defence.

“When we started to kick it in longer and give those tall forward a chance we looked a lot more dangerous.”

The Bombers will be looking for four straight wins when they face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

“We’ve got to bring our best game and we’re going to front up against a very good opposition,” Worsfold said.

“We believe our best game can beat all of the best teams in the competition, so if we bring that we’re confident we can win that game.”