Essendon VFL has conjured a dramatic late comeback to pip Collingwood by a solitary point at Windy Hill on Saturday.

The 16th-seeded Pies arrived at Windy Hill with intent to stand in the way of a hungry Dons side looking to secure a finals spot. Refusing to relent, the Bombers weren't at their best for large portions of the day but gritted away to storm home with the help of a vocal home crowd.

An impressive clunk and goal from Nik Cox had his side within a kick in the dying minutes, setting up a grandstand finish.

In the dying moments, magnets were thrown in the form of Deacon Kalpakis venturing deep forward - the key defender's huge contested mark one of several heroic Essendon efforts late in the piece. A quick handball to Jade Gresham set up the forward's fourth major and what would prove to be the decisive score.

A quick Pies clearance sent numbers forward for one final push, however inspirational Vice-Captain Jackson Hately fought tooth and nail to rise above the pack in a dangerous area for a vital intercept mark.

Xavier O’Neill (26 disposals, seven tackles and the opening goal) led from the front. Lachie Blakiston (21 hitouts, 15 disposals, seven tackles) constantly gave first use and tracked back strongly in defensive 50.

Irish recruit Cillian Bourke was a shining light with 15 disposals at a game-high 93 per cent efficiency in blustery conditions. Working well on both sides of the ball, he limited the Pies’ forward forays with five intercepts and rebounded out of the back half three times.

The Bombers look to cement a finals campaign against Sydney at Windy Hill next Saturday - a win will guarantee their spot.

ESSENDON          2.2    6.7    7.9    10.15   (75)
COLLINGWOOD  1.2    3.5    10.8   11.8    (74)

GOALS
Gresham 4, Cox 2, Edwards, Dowling, Ferronato, O’Neill

BEST
Gresham, O'Neill, Bourke, Sellers, El-Hawli, Tsatas