Essendon failed to make use of the breeze in the first term, heading into the first change with a six-point lead. Daniel McAlister started strongly on the half-forward flank creating opportunities for the Bomber forwards, however the team could only manage three goals. Box Hill outscored Essendon in the second quarter thanks to its mid-field division - led by Woods, Harford and Brewer. The trio dominated in the centre and was useful in creating options for their forwards. Luckily for the Bombers, Mark Bolton was solid at full-back on forward Passador - rebounding Box Hill's forward attacks and giving the Bombers run out of the backline.
The Bombers came out firing after half-time and kicked four goals straight in the first five minutes. Shane Harvey was instrumental in the Bombers fight-back, booting two of the four goals. Essendon continued to dominate the third term, adding seven goals and two behinds for the quarter to Box Hill's five goals and one point. The Bombers turned around its two goal half-time deficit to a 13-point led at three quarter time.
In front of a big crowd, the Bombers continued strongly in the final term, outscoring its opposition to win by 16-points. Mark Mercuri who has not played a reserves game since 1993, dominated at half-back, showing glimpses of the form he is capable of. Mark McVeigh was strong in the centre and Dean Rioli in his first game back from a three match suspension, put in a solid performance before leaving the game late in the second half due to calf soreness.
The Bombers are now two games out of the eight and are a big chance to make the finals with six of its final nine games at home.
