The Bombers fought it out to the very end against a resilient Port Melbourne outfit, eventually going down by 12 points.

Scores were level late in the last quarter before two late goals broke the back of the Bombers.

A slow start to the first quarter saw the first goal come from Travis Colyer midway through the term and with Courtenay Dempsey looking to get his hands on the ball early across half back.

Port Melbourne fought back to take the lead in the first quarter, but the Bombers kicked 2.6 and missed a number of opportunities to take the lead.

The second quarter was something special from the Bombers.

They managed to stem the flow of the Port Melbourne attack and keep them goalless for the quarter.

Another slow start for the Bombers, but goals to Gleeson, Lovett-Murray and Colyer and Daniher kicking their second for the match, the Bombers took, what seemed a comfortable lead into half time, leading by 12 points in tricky conditions.

Port Melbourne was always going to fight back and they did, eventually taking the lead midway through the quarter.

Daniher kicked goal number three, as Dell’Olio and Steinberg also got on the scoreboard.

Steinberg was swung forward and had impact, creating contests and also roving well to Daniher.

Three quarter time came around and the Bombers again led by nine points heading into the final change.

The rain began to fall and it was goal for goal in the last quarter.

A free kick off the ball gifted Daniher his fourth of the match and the Bombers were looking the goods to take out the win.

Colyer kicked his third for the match and the win looked all but sealed.

But Port Melbourne fought back strongly to kick the final four goals of the match to take the game by 12 points.

Essendon will look to rebound next week against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Essendon: 11.16.(82)
Port Melbourne: 13.16.(94)

Goals: Daniher 4, Colyer 3, Dell’Olio, Steinberg, Gleeson, Lovett-Murray
Best: Colyer, Daniher, Jetta, Hardingham, Firman