Essendon VFL has held on to record a stirring 12-point victory over Collingwood at Victoria Park on Saturday.

Continuing the theme of close games for the Dons this weekend, the VFL Dons matched the Pies’ pressure in the early stages before blowing the game open with a run of six unanswered goals in the second term.

With Sam Weideman solid in defence, Campbell Gray and Nate Caddy led the charge as key forward targets, providing several opportunities which the Bombers were able to capitalise on.

Archie Roberts continued his impressive start to his debut season on the wing, racking up 21 disposals and two first-half goals, while the damaging efforts of Dylan Shiel (23 disposals, five clearances) looked even more apparent this week.

The Bombers’ 31-point lead at the main break was cancelled out by a rejuvenated Collingwood outfit after half-time, bringing the match back to level terms with an energetic 10-minute spell.

With the Dons needing a spark, a quick-thinking smother and snap at goal from Jayden Davey provided a touch of breathing room and a seven-point advantage at the final change.

In a seesawing final 30 minutes, Collingwood managed to take back a minor lead, but the Bombers showed their grit in a pulsating final five minutes.

Returning forward Matt Guelfi stood up in a few clutch moments, getting on the end of a surge forward to give his side back the lead, before stepping up with another big grab that allowed Jackson Hately to put the result beyond doubt.

Some critical defensive efforts from Roberts, Lewis Hayes and Solomon McKay held the Dons in good stead throughout the final term, showing great desperation to lock away a first victory of season 2024.

Will Hoare is another defender standing up for the Dons, taking eight marks in defence and halving important contests down the stretch.

Elijah Tsatas impacted through sheer work rate in the middle of the park, racking up 39 disposals and providing the assist for Guelfi’s game-breaking goal with a big contested ball win at half-forward.

Winning the overall hit-out count 45-12, Nick Bryan’s influence was once again felt for the Bombers, aided strongly by Vigo Visentini (15 disposals, one goal) who continues to develop nicely this year.

The VFL Bombers have another bye this week.

COLLINGWOOD     3.4     3.9     8.13    11.19   (85)
ESSENDON      2.5     8.10     9.14     13.19  (97)

GOALS
Roberts 2, Gray 2, Wanganeen, Visentini, Toma, Shiel, Peris, O’Neill, Hately, Guelfi, J. Davey

BEST
Tsatas, Roberts, Hately, Bryan, Shiel