Essendon recorded a seventh-consecutive victory and marked its return to finals for the first time in seven years with a 45-point win over Williamstown at Windy Hill. It was an even opening term, with both sides producing ample opportunities in front of goal.

Both sides would trade majors with the Seagulls holding a narrow eight-point lead at quarter time, before the Bombers made their move with four goals in eight minutes to start the second term.

It put the away side on the backfoot, but they managed to halt the bleeding to keep the margin at a manageable 16 points at half time. The home side would gradually increase their advantage throughout the third term and headlined by two majors from Hussien El Achkar, the Bombers would be 29-point leaders at three quarter time.

Williamstown’s cause wasn’t aided by injuries to Alex Mirvov and Aidan Bonar, and despite their persistent fight they were unable to contain the Bombers in the last.

The home side produced eight scoring shots in the final term whilst conceding just two to cruise their way through to a first finals win in seven years and produce their highest winning margin in a final since the 2015 semi.

El Achkar would be one of four Bombers to kick multiple goals, with Nik Cox’s three majors leading the way. For the sixth-straight game Elijah Tsatas finished with north of 30 disposals, amassing 32 touches and eight clearances in the win.

Vigo Visentini (36 hitouts, 15 disposals) and Xavier O’Neill (28 disposals, six score involvements) were also crucial. The Seagulls were led best another terrific effort in defence from Luke Parks who had 16 disposals, 10 marks and nine intercept possessions.

ESSENDON                 2.1        7.3        11.7     14.12 (96)
WILLIAMSTOWN       3.3        4.6        6.8        7.9 (51)

BEST
Essendon: Xavier O’Neill, Vigo Visentini, Matt Guelfi, Tyler Sellers, Hussien El Achkar, Will Setterfield
Williamstown: Luke Parks, David Cuningham, Kye Turner, Jake Greiser, Toby Triffett