A blistering finish from Essendon has seen them claim an inspired round one victory against Collingwood on Sunday, storming home to record a 10.9 (69) to 9.7 (61) result.

It was a hotly contested start, with the heavy pressure causing some wayward attempts at goal from both sides.

The match would remain goalless until midway through the second term, where the Dons established some momentum to break away to a 20-point lead, before a late Collingwood goal steadied the flow just before the main break.

The Pies built on their renewed confidence throughout a big third quarter, creating a 44-point turnaround.

Despite trailing by four goals entering the final change, the Dons held firm to quell the Pies and claw their way back, cutting the lead to two goals entering the closing minutes of the game.

Enter Caleb Logan.

The Dons’ spearhead came up clutch right in the nick of time, scoring three goals in quick succession to bring up what’d prove to be an ultimately decisive late lead.

The solid defensive pairing of Brian Owens and Jordan Kinniburg prevented yet another last-ditch Pies attack to put the result beyond doubt.

Scott van Gemert was another star on the day for the Bombers, working hard as their primary force in the midfield.

Logan’s late blitz was aided by the intuitive forward play of Adam Georgelin and co-captain Sam Maraldo, who provided some key opportunities for their gun goalscorer with their movement.

Maraldo and fellow skipper James Leonard will be looking to build upon their successful first outing as co-captains as the side prepares for its next clash against Richmond on Sunday, May 21.