Essendon VFL showed plenty of fight in a 14-point defeat to Geelong on Saturday afternoon, still looking to finish their campaign strong in the wake of the Club's lengthy list of unavailability.

Despite a tough start, the Bombers were plucky after quarter-time and fought their way back into the equation with a four-goal second term, trimming the margin to just 10 points by the main break.

The Cats took advantage of the scoring end again in the third quarter, with their poor conversion (2.6) arguably keeping the door ajar for a Dons fightback late.

Running out the game well, the Dons slotted another four majors in the final term and even got within eight points in the dying minutes, before a late Geelong goal effectively iced the contest.

Kyle Langford made his playing return from a lengthy quad setback and finished with 13 disposals and five marks on managed minutes.

Noah Scott continues to show impressive form in the back end of the year, with the livewire forward snagging another three goals in his return from a one-game suspension.

Xavier O'Neill and Zak Johnson were among the better ball-winners on the day with 27 touches each.

Saad El-Hawli was damaging along the wing with 22 possessions of his own, while Rhys Unwin also looked promising with a strong first half.

The Dons conclude their season with a trip to Sandringham next Saturday.

GEELONG     4.4    6.5    8.11   10.13  (73)
ESSENDON   1.1    5.1     5.2     9.5    (59)

GOALS
Scott 3, Busuttil, Smartt, Leedham, Brodie, Hately, Sellers

BEST
O'Neill, Hately, El-Hawli, Davey Jnr, Johnson