The Bombers kicked 1.17.10 (121) to Melbourne's 1.11.7 (82).
It was a high-scoring and unseasonably skillful contest between two sides with big expectations after several underperforming years.
But it looked to be a one-sided contest early when the Bombers burst out of the blocks with seven first quarter goals.
Essendon's forwards strangled the Demons every time they tried to clear the ball out of the back half, with several goals coming from forced turnovers.
First-year player Dyson Heppell stood out across half-forward. His composure, peripheral vision and lateral movement made him look like a 100-game player and he showed enough to suggest he will play a major role in Essendon's season.
Michael Hurley presented strongly as the Bombers' main focal point up forward but his impact diminished as the game wore on with the Demon defenders closing in on him at every contest.
Melbourne pegged the score back in the second quarter, moving the ball quickly from coast to coast.
But the Demons really clicked into gear in the third term. They made an impact immediately when Liam Jurrah emerged from a quiet first half to kick a goal in the opening minute of the second half.
It was the first of five Melbourne goals for the quarter and many expected a tense final period.
Any hopes the Demons had were blown away, however, with a six-goal final term by Essendon.
Jack Trengove proved himself to be one of the Demons' more prolific midfielders with 21 touches. He covered plenty of kilometres, pushing forward on a couple of occasions to present as a genuine marking target.
Jack Grimes rebounded well from defence while at the other end, Addam Maric showed his worth as a goal sneak, booting three goals (including a super goal) while showing speed around the ground.
But the Demons would be disappointed with how they finished the night with several undisciplined free kicks given away through acts of frustration.
The only lowlight for Essendon was Courtenay Dempsey who left the field after a Lynden Dunn bump in the third term.
ESSENDON 0.7.3 1.8.5 1.11.9 1.17.20 (121)
MELBOURNE 1.3.1 1.6.3 1.10.5 1.11.7 (82)
GOALS
Essendon: Supergoals: Hurley Goals: Ryder 3, Davey 2, Monfries 2, Heppell 2, Crameri, Jetta, Howlett, Williams, Winderlich, Stanton, Bellchambers, Colyer
Melbourne: Supergoals: Maric Goals: Jurrah 3, Dunn 2, Maric 2,Trengove, Watts, Jetta, Sylvia
BEST
Essendon: Heppell, Hooker, Hurley, Stanton, Ryder, Monfries
Melbourne: Grimes, Jurrah, Moloney, Sylvia, Maric, Trengove
INJURIES
Essendon: Colyer (leg), Dempsey (concussion)
Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Nicholls, Ritchie
Official crowd: 13,863 at Etihad Stadium
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
