Essendon VFL were overrun by Williamstown 12.16 (88) to 11.9 (75) in their return to Windy Hill on Saturday afternoon.

It was largely a tale of two halves - the Bombers took relative command with a five-goal lead going into half time but slowly faded away late as Williamstown surged back into the contest, with eight goals piled on to just the home side's two after the break.

The early form of Huss El Achkar was crucial in that fast start for the Dons - he's now slotted seven goals in his last two games back, while Liam McMahon again booted three to continue a nice run in front of the sticks.

Key storylines going into the game for Essendon were Mason Redman's return from injury and Irish recruit Cillian Bourke's first game of footy at any level.

Redman got through well with 13 disposals on managed minutes while Bourke showed positive signs down back, with five of his 11 possessions on debut coming from intercepts.

Elijah Tsatas (34 disposals, 10 clearances), Zak Johnson (28 touches, six inside 50s) and Will Setterfield (25 touches, nine tackles) were among the best ball winners on the day.

In addition to his 20 touches, Archie Perkins was a presence in the middle and finished with eight tackles, good for second on the ground behind Setterfield.

Rhys Unwin went off early with a hamstring complaint and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

The Dons take on GWS interstate at Tom Wills Oval for the early start at 11:05am on Sunday.

ESSENDON    4.3   9.5   9.7   11.9  (75)
WILLIAMSTOWN      3.2   4.7   8.13   12.16  (88)

GOALS
McMahon 3, El Achkar 3, Eckersley 2, Dowling, Kitchell, Bella

BEST
Setterfield, Johnson, El Achkar, Sellers, Tsatas