Essendon VFL gained traction away from home to get over top-four fancy Box Hill in Dingley on Saturday morning, chipping away for a 10.11 (71) to 6.10 (46) victory.

In trademark unpredictable Melbourne conditions, the Dons were combative in a slog of a contest, even after copping an early blow with Vice-Captain Jackson Hately ruled out due to calf soreness pre-game.

Under drizzle in the first term, the scoreline was reflective of the tight contest at hand. Cloud cover cleared and the Dons hit their straps in the second, converting four unanswered goals via Liam McMahon and a best afield Jade Gresham.

Despite Box Hill pulling out all the stops, the Dons ground out the win one contest at a time through relentless drive from centre clearance and a persistent display of defence denying the Hawks space to utilise their opportunities.

Elijah Tsatas contributed to the smooth movement of the midfield tallying 34 disposals and six tackles, alongside Archie Perkins who had a busy morning with 27 disposals and six marks. Zak Johnson provided voice and assertion off half back, continuing his consistent run with 27 disposals and six marks.

Jayden Nguyen set the tone defensively, with eight tackles and two intercepts, not only did he make Box Hill earn every possession, but he also contributed to the Dons scoreline with five score involvements and a major of his own.

Among the VFL-listed crop, Jaxon Binns was an important presence in the guts clocking 29 disposals and seven marks. Deacon Kalpakis continued his impressive form taking 11 marks, often in critical moments on the last line.

The Bombers now have the opportunity to reset and recharge throughout bye week. They will resume momentum in their push for a wildcard position Saturday week at Windy Hill against the Pies.

BOX HILL      2.2    2.5    4.8    6.10    (46)
ESSENDON   2.3    6.6    6.8   10.11   (71)

GOALS
McMahon 2, Guelfi 2, Gresham 2, Dowling, Eckersley, Unwin, Nguyen

BEST
Gresham, Visentini, Binns, Nguyen, Jones, Perkins, Tsatas