First quarter: Melbourne 0.2.4 (16) to Essendon 0.2.1(13)

Melbournestarted well, when Aaron vandenBerg and Chris Dawes kicked the first two majorsof the match.

The Bombersopened their account midway through the term via Jackson Merrett, and when KyleLangford kicked truly, it was two goals each.

The Demonsmissed a few shots in front of goal and at quarter-time, they led by threepoints.

Second quarter: Melbourne 0.5.7 (37) to Essendon 0.6.1(37)

The second termproved to be an arm wrestle, with scores level at half-time.

Essendon bootedfour goals to three, with Jeff Garlett continuing his impressive start as aDemon, slotting through a couple for the term.

Jack Vineymanaged Melbourne’s other major for the quarter, as Bomber Lachie Dalgleish putin an early contender for goal of the year with an incredible runninggoal. 

Third quarter: Melbourne 0.9.8 (62) to Essendon 0.9.8(62)

It wasgoal-for-goal after the main break, until Melbourne kicked back-to-back goalslate in the term, bringing the scores level at the final break.

Garlett landedhis third for the match, as did Joe Daniher for the Bombers.

vandenBerg andDawes had a couple each by the last change and Jack Watts also had his firstfor the night.

Final quarter: Essendon 0.11.11 (77) d Melbourne 0.11.9 (75)
 
The see-sawing contest continued in the final term.
 
Garlett opened the quarter with his fourth and when Watts backed up with his second, the Demons were up by 11 points.
 
But when Zaharakis kicked his second and Dalgleish booted the last goal of the game, it was enough to give Essendon a two-point win.