AN INJURY-DEPLETED Essendon was on the receiving end of a return to form for the Western Bulldogs, losing by 46 points at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Bulldogs had claimed just one of their previous five games but this time resembled a side that has spent most of the season in the top four, motoring to a 23.13 (151) to 15.15 (105) victory.

They were led by forward Mitch Hahn, who booted a career-high six goals and was complemented by four each from captain Brad Johnson and Jason Akermanis.

The Bulldogs' signature pace and free-flowing style was evident from partway through the second term, despite the absence of dashers Lindsay Gilbee and Farren Ray who were late withdrawals with the flu.

But at one stage it looked as if any Bulldog glee might be soured with Johnson suffering an ankle injury. He hobbled from the ground after wearing Hahn's fall in the third quarter, but returned soon after to boot two goals in as many minutes.

It was a see-sawing opening to the game with neither side able to establish dominance over the other, though Essendon looked the most effective.

Skipper Matthew Lloyd kicked truly two minutes in, but the Bulldogs took advantage of their opportunities with goals to Robert Murphy and Hahn.

Brent Stanton (28 possessions) was dangerous for Essendon across half-forward and convincingly beat a series of opponents.

One of Essendon's hardest working players out of the midfield was retiring veteran Jason Johnson. While Johnson will not feature in coach Matthew Knights' plans for 2009, his experience was a steadying factor in a young side.

In fact, several Essendon players took the field knowing they would not be at Windy Hill beyond next week but they didn't show it – particularly through Mal Michael’s body work and Johnson's attack on the ball. Damien Peverill also had a strong opening term before dropping away.

For the Bulldogs, the out-of-sorts Akermanis was slow to get going but kicked an impressive goal 16 minutes in. He finished with four and, while he wasn't near his best, there were plenty of good signs for Bulldogs fans leading into the finals.

At the other end, Lloyd worked hard as another one of his side's best but craved the support of a fellow target.

He looked menacing every time the Bombers pushed forward and had the strut of a man in good form, but many ventures inside 50 were wasted by skill errors.

Further up the ground, the Bulldogs' midfielders, including Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd and Daniel Cross, were well in control.

Jobe Watson was used at full-forward by the Bombers early on, but struggled with ankle soreness while another important midfielder, Andrew Welsh, lacked his usual influence – hampered by hamstring tightness.

The Bulldogs surged ahead in the second term, booting six straight to go into half-time with a healthy 28-point lead.

Essendon's frustration and lack of discipline boiled over when Mark McVeigh gave away an unnecessary free kick to Cooney, who chipped to an open Scott Welsh in the corridor to send the Bulldogs comfortably ahead.

The Bombers need to act quickly to stay in the game and, when Lloyd goaled in the opening minute of the second half, it seemed they would put up a fight.

Then the Dogs, who showed the confidence and ruthlessness of a side that could have won by a lot more, slammed through seven goals to the Bombers' one.

Essendon only had a few uplifting signs from then, which included Michael's venture forward to kick two rare goals and a stunning snap over the head from Stanton – which should feature in the round's best.

It was an uneventful final quarter, with both sides stopping short of strong finishes, but the Bulldogs had made it five straight over the Dons and win number 15 for the year.

Western Bulldogs     3.3   10.6   19.8   23.13 (151)
Essendon     3.4   5.8   9.11   15.15 (105)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Hahn 6, Johnson 4, Akermanis 4, Minson 2, Welsh 2, Harbrow, Eagleton, Murphy, Cooney, Boyd
Essendon: Lloyd 4, Michael 2, Stanton 2, McVeigh, Lonergan, Monfries, Lovett-Murray, McPhee, Nash, Dyson

BEST
Western Bulldogs: Hahn, Cooney, Lake, Minson, Cross, Giansiracusa, Akermanis
Essendon: Stanton, Lloyd, McVeigh, Johnson, Monfries

INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Gilbee (flu) replaced in selected side by Everitt, Ray (flu) replaced in selected side by Higgins
Essendon: Welsh (hamstring), Watson (ankle)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Donlon, McLaren, Hendrie

Official crowd: 37,294 at Telstra Dome

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.