Essendon rebounded from Anzac Day disappointment to again prove their AFL finals credentials, crushing Brisbane by 67 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The Bombers were completely dominant from start to finish – outclassing the Lions for a 19.15 (129) to 9.8 (62) victory and a 5-1 win-loss record for the season.
Essendon’s one-point defeat by Collingwood on Anzac Day in their previous match is their only blemish this year.
The Lions were beaten in all aspects – smashed around the clearances, out-possessed and out-tackled by the slick Bombers.
Midfielders Brent Stanton (39 possessions) and Jobe Watson (36) were dominant, while onballer Sam Lonergan tackled himself to a standstill and also booted two goals to go with his 12 tackles.
Four majors in the opening 11 minutes set the tone for Essendon, with forward Stewart Crameri booting all four of his goals for the match in the term as the Bombers led by 26 at quarter-time.
The lead was 35 at halftime, before Essendon’s free-rolling became steam-rolling in the third quarter as four of the term’s five goals took their lead out beyond 50 points.
A melee in which Essendon’s Paddy Ryder and Brisbane’s Jed Adcock were heavily involved also livened up the quarter.
The Lions only managed two goals in a poor second half, as Stanton led four Bombers players with more than 30 touches for the game.
Yet another injury to a key player soured the Bombers’ win, with Crameri leaving the field in the final term with what appeared a knee injury and not returning.
They already have six first-choice players sidelined with mainly soft tissue injuries.
Essendon small forwards Alwyn Davey and Leroy Jetta booted three goals each.
One of few bright spots for the Lions was forward Jonathan Brown continuing to find form after his early season facial injury, kicking two goals and having 21 disposals.
Midfielders Jack Redden and Daniel Rich battled hard for the well-beaten Lions, who now have a 2-4 win-loss record.