Bendigo’s fourth win in a row did not come easily, with the young Gold Coast side applying pressure from the game’s outset and leading by narrow margin at half time.
Essendon rookie Marcus Marigliani WAS best-on-ground and kicked two goals.
The Bombers' Mark Williams was also impressive, booting four goals, while Leroy Jetta, Bachar Houli and Jason Laycock strongly supported the effort by kicking two each.
Bendigo’s Jason Cloke and captain James Flaherty continued their dominance in defence.
Bendigo Bombers 4.2 8.6 12.9 15.17 (107)
Gold Coast 5.3 8.7 10.8 12.9 (81)
GOALS:
Bendigo Bombers: M. Williams 4, Marigliani 2, Jetta 2, Houli 2, Laycock 2, Bellchambers, Still, Colyer Gold Coast: McKenzie 2, Weller 2, Matera 2, Magin, Dixon, Fowler, Daye, Harris, Swallow
BEST:
Bendigo Bombers: Marigliani, M. Williams, Cloke, Flaherty, Jetta, J. Williams Gold Coast: McKenzie, Matera, Magin, Daye, Swallow, Hutchins