Essendon has strolled to a 46-point victory over Fremantle at Colonial Stadium. Starting as the shortest-priced favourites in the history of footy betting, the Bombers were given an early scare as Freo kicked the first four goals of the game. However the Bombers took the lead midway through the second term and were untroubled thereafter. The only bad news from the match was skipper James Hird leaving the field with what appeared to be a leg injury, and Damien Hardwick damaging a shoulder.