Essendon VFL has played some sensational football in the opening half of the season and sit in a comanding position following the bye.

As the VFL Dons begin their run home towards a possible finals campaign, we take a look at their chances in closer detail.

Essendon VFL run home:

• Play four teams in the top eight, including Footscray Bulldogs (reigning premiers) twice.

• Play three teams holding the bottom three positions on the ladder.

• Play four home games, including a Friday night blockbuster against Footscray Bulldogs at Queen Elizabeth Oval (round 19).

• One BYE (round 13).

Essendon VFL last 10 rounds:

Round 11: Port Melbourne vs. Essendon

North Port Oval, Saturday June 27 at 2pm

Round 12: Williamstown vs. Essendon

Burbank Oval, Saturday July 4 at 12.12pm (Channel Seven broadcast)

Round 13: BYE

Round 14: Essendon vs. North Ballarat 

Windy Hill, Saturday July 18 at 12pm

Round 15: Geelong vs. Essendon 

Simonds Stadium, Saturday July 25 at 11am

Round 16: Footscray Bulldogs vs. Essendon 

Whitten Oval, Sunday August 2 at 11am

Round 17: Essendon vs. Werribee Tigers 

Windy Hill, Sunday August 9 at 12pm

Round 18: Frankston vs. Essendon

Frankston Oval, Sunday August 9 at 2pm

Round 19: Essendon vs. Footscray Bulldogs 

Queen Elizabeth Oval (Bendigo), Friday August 21 at 7.30pm

Round 20: Essendon vs. Richmond

Windy Hill, Saturday August 29 at 1pm

VFL Ladder (after 10 rounds):

1- Box Hill Hawks                  28

2- Essendon                         24

3- Williamstown                     24

4- Sandringham                    24

5- Werribee Tigers                24

6- Port Melbourne                 24

7- Footscray Bulldogs           20

8- Casey Scorpions               20

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9- Collingwood                      20

10- Geelong Cats                 16

11- Northern Blues               12

12- Coburg                           12

13- North Ballarat                 12

14- Richmond Tigers             8

15- Frankston                        0