Essendon defender-turned-forward Jake Carlisle backed up his stunning performance last week with another outstanding showing. After struggling in his new role in attack for most of the season, Carlisle broke through against Collingwood last Sunday with a career-best four goals and 19 marks. Once again the 22-year-old was dominant in the air, out-marking the Bulldogs defenders. Jordan Roughead was no match for Carlisle, and after the Bomber kicked his third goal early in the second term, coach Brendan McCartney made the switch, giving veteran Dale Morris the task of restricting the in-form forward. But Carlisle was unstoppable, booting 8.2 to better his career-best in a match-winning performance.

 

It was an old fashion shootout at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. While Carlisle starred up one end, down the other young Bulldog Jake Stringer was causing havoc for the Bombers' defence. After a slow start, Stringer made his mark with two important second term goals. Stringer's confidence continued to grow as he dodged two Bomber defenders to snap the crucial opening goal of the third term to give the Bulldogs a 13-point lead. He finished the game with a career-best five goals. 

Click here for full match coverage 

It was no surprise to see Bulldog Mitch Wallis go straight to Essendon midfielder Dyson Heppell at the opening bounce. Heppell's form this season has been superb with the 22-year-old averaging 28 disposals per game. He started well with eight touches and five clearances in the opening term but Wallis clamped down in the second term restricting Heppell to just one disposal, and just 14 at three-quarter time. But an ankle injury to the young pup late in the third quarter gave Heppell the opportunity to break free. The Bomber was instrumental in the final term with his eight touches (22 for the game), helping guide the Bombers to a narrow victory. Teammate and former premiership Cat Paul Chapman also stood up when the game was in the clinches, kicking a vital goal in the last term to reduce the deficit to just six points, and then setting up the match winner with a brilliant kick to the goal square which was marked by Jason Winderlich.

 

The Bombers have now won the past six encounters against the Bulldogs, something they haven't achieved since 1969. The last time the Bulldogs beat the Bombers was back in round 22, 2010. More importantly though, the win keeps Essendon's finals aspirations on track with the Dons holding on to seventh spot for now. The Bombers have now won three of their past four and take plenty of momentum into the bye before facing the Sydney Swans.

 

After missing four weeks with a hamstring injury, Adam Cooney was handed the green vest by McCartney. The veteran Bulldog came on halfway into the third term with the team hoping he could spark some much needed run. But the midfielder looked severely underdone, and had little impact on the contest with just four disposals in a quarter and half, and missed a crucial tackle on Winderlich in the dying minutes of the game. In comparison, the Bombers' substitute Corey Dell'Olio kicked the goal that drew Essedon level with 12 minutes left in the contest. He also had four tackles and impacted the game when it was there to be won.