The Crows kicked the opening two goals of the third quarter, capping a run of seven consecutive goals either side of half time.

At that stage the Bombers were down by 44 points.

The run was ended when Cale Hooker converted a set shot midway through the third term.

Just minutes later Hooker gathered from outside 50, had a bounce and nailed the goal from the boundary.

When Jobe Watson kicked truly, the crowd rose to salute a champion and the Bombers were within striking distance.

A Joe Daniher trip went unnoticed near the goal square, but the Dons kept fighting.

Hooker converted a bomb from outside 50 to bring the margin back to 19 points.

Two goals to the Crows in the final minute of the quarter left the Dons down by 32 points at the last change.

Hooker's form continued in the last quarter as he kicked his fourth goal of the second half with another long range shot.

Then it was James Stewart's turn to convert from outside 50 and the margin was back 21 points with 13:33 remaining.

A steadying goal to Josh Jenkins was cancelled out by Travis Colyer leaving the Bombers down by 23 points with 6:50 remaining.

But it was Jenkins again who found the answering goal.

The Crows delivery into the forward line was a key factor in the final result.  They took 21 marks inside 50 to Essendon's eight.