The Bombers were never headed, and won 0.12.12 (84) to 0.6.9 (45).
It seemed that the Saints' biggest loss of the night came in the first quarter when defender Sam Fisher injured his cheekbone in a marking contest.
Fisher went straight to the rooms before departing for hospital where he underwent x-rays, but coach Ross Lyon said after the game that the damage was minimal and Fisher would be set to play in the round one clash with Geelong in two weeks.
It was an impressive display by Essendon, who not only moved the ball quickly into attack but also applied immense pressure on the Saints, who struggled to find any space when in attack.
Brendon Goddard was the embodiment of St Kilda's frustration, giving away 50m penalties and arguing with opponents and umpires alike in the third quarter.
Rookie-listed Saint Daniel Archer shouldered most of the ruck load for his team.
He worked hard but he was no match for Tom Bellchambers and Patrick Ryder.
The highlight of Archer's night came late in the game when he floated forward for a goal.
The Bombers slammed on five goals in the first quarter but it was a slow burn for the rest of the night as they quietly built on their lead.
Nick Dal Santo was the only star St Kilda midfielder to stand out, but he had little support from Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna who were quiet.
Montagna was subbed off at half time after gathering just seven possessions.
Nick Riewoldt was well held by Essendon defender Cale Hooker, but the lack of clean delivery to the St Kilda skipper didn't help his cause.
The Saints will travel to Coffs Harbour next Saturday to take on the Sydney Swans.
ESSENDON 0.5.3 0.8.6 0.10.10 0.12.12 (84)
ST KILDA 0.1.2 0.2.5 0.3.8 0.6.9 (45)
GOALS
Essendon: Jetta 2, Ryder 2, Zaharakis 2, Melksham, Reimers, Hurley, Howlett, Melksham, Crameri
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Jones, Milne, Gamble, Lynch, Archer
BEST
Essendon: Melksham, Jetta, Watson, Hooker, Bellchambers, Hibberd, Stanton, Hardingham
St Kilda: Dal Santo, Gwilt, Goddard, Peake, Geary
INJURIES
Essendon: Nil
St Kilda: Fisher (cheek)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Wenn, Jennings
Official crowd: 17,632 at Etihad Stadium
The views expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club
