Essendon VFL has suffered its fifth loss of the season, going down in a thriller against Footscray at VU Whitten Oval on Friday night.

The match came down to the wire with the margin was no more than four points for the final eight minutes. It was the Dogs who came out on top beating the Bombers by four points at the final siren.

Jordan Ridley was a standout in defence, taking 12 marks in his second game back after a back problem had sidelined him for three months.

Shaun McKernan was dominant in front of goals, kicking four for the Dons. He has kicked 15 goals in the VFL this season.

Heath Hocking was again a major ball winner, finishing with 29 disposals, four marks and six tackles.

Essendon started slowly, giving the Dogs a 20 point lead at quarter time. They fought hard in the second term to reduce the margin to 13 points.

The third quarter was when the Bombers got the game back on their terms, booting three goals to take a three point lead. 

Footscray was too strong in the end, claiming a four point victory over the Bombers.

Essendon 10.9.69

Footscray 10.13.73

Goals: McKernan 4, Merrett 3, Begley, Long, Boyse

Disposals: Hocking 29, Langford 26, Merrett 23, Dea 22, Mutch 22