A six-goal haul from Liam McMahon has aided Essendon VFL’s push for the top 10 after a 30-point win over Brisbane on Sunday.
The travelling Dons kept chipping away against a plucky Brisbane side, taking marginal leads into the first two breaks before finally breaking the shackles after half-time to cruise to a five-goal win.
Weathering an early storm of Brisbane momentum and helped by some inaccurate finishing, the Bombers worked into the game nicely as it tracked along and steadied to make the Lions pay with some clinical finishing in the second term.
McMahon was the liveliest forward on the ground from the get-go both on the lead and at ground level, continuing an impressive return from injury that’s now held 10 goals in his last two games.
Will Setterfield made a strong personal response with his grunt work all day, the midfielder racking up 29 disposals, seven clearances and capping off his afternoon with a late goal.
He was duly assisted by Elijah Tsatas (35 touches, six clearances) and Jaxon Binns (26 touches, 10 marks) in the middle of the park.
Zak Johnson’s return was another major positive from the day, with the 19-year-old gathering 28 possessions off half back in his first game back from a broken foot.
Jaxon Artemis (19 disposals) slotted a brilliant running goal in the second term while Jade Gresham (23 touches, four clearances) made plenty of impact both ahead of the ball and in his bursts up the ground at stoppages.
The Dons’ win keeps them afloat in the finals race, with a critical game against eight-placed Coburg awaiting them next at Windy Hill on Sunday.
BRISBANE 1.6 5.7 7.9 10.13 (73)
ESSENDON 2.1 7.3 10.9 15.13 (103)
GOALS
McMahon 6, Dowling 2, Guelfi, Gresham, El Achkar, Ferronato, Setterfield, Nyko, Artemis
BEST
Setterfield, McMahon, Binns, Johnson, Gresham, Sellers, Tsatas
