Essendon pipped St Kilda to the post on Sunday in a close VWFL clash, prevailing by 12 points.

The 8.8 (56) to 6.8 (44) result came down to the wire, after nothing had separated the two sides going into the final change.

Caleb Logan starred for the Dons in the absence of Sam Maraldo to illness, providing a typically healthy forward option after half-time.

Brian Owens and Scott van Gemert were solid contributors, particularly in the second half as the Bombers began to break the game open.

In a nice moment, Jordan Kinniburgh scored his first goal in Essendon colours and provided welcome assistance for Logan up front.

The VWFL Community side suffered a difficult loss to the Saints in their corresponding fixture.

Both teams will host their first marquee matches of the season against Hawthorn at the NEC Hangar on Friday, June 30, with the Community team opening proceedings at 7pm.