David Zaharakis’ skills around the contest, are a key element to Essendon’s success at the back end of the year, according to Bomber champion Scott Lucas.

Zaharakis was named among the best against Gold Coast, finishing with 38 disposals, five marks and four tackles.

“He was excellent, he had 38 disposals, 15 inside 50s and his work around the footy and his burst out of the contest very good,” Lucas said.

“They are the hallmarks of your game.

“With the boys looking to go into a finals series – it’s all about that contest clearance work.”

The Bombers controlled the majority of the game but that dominance didn't translate on the scoreboard until the last quarter.

“It was a tough game, Gold Coast certainly got their numbers back which made it harder for the Bombers to navigate their way through,” Lucas said.

“They dominated field position early, with an extra 40 inside 50s throughout that night, and their work around the contest was very good but the Suns certainly made them work for it.”

A major contributor to the Dons slow start was their kicking efficiency. They struggled to get reward on the scoreboard for their efforts, finishing with 12 goals and 18 behinds.

“You do have those nights but what’s important is you look at it that the team generated 70 inside 50s and 30 scoring shots,” Lucas said.

“They will go and they’ll work on that over the next couple of weeks.

“You do have off nights where one or two players miss and it seems to infect the entire group but overall it’s something to work on.

“It’s good to get the win in that respect.”

Josh Begley debuted for Essendon in the round 22 clash, producing a promising performance with two goals and two goal assists in the first quarter.  

Begley finished with 13 disposals, seven marks and two tackles.

“He was excellent,” Lucas said.

“James Stewart kicked two goals in the first quarter and was a good contributor also. That was on the back of superb passes by Josh.

“He was very good, kicked two goals himself and his field kicking was excellent.

“That was a strong debut on the back of consistently strong VFL form.

“It was great to see him get an opportunity and play like that in his debut.”