Essendon coach John Worsfold hailed the Bombers' 70-point drubbing of Port Adelaide as their most complete performance of the AFL season.
The fired-up Dons slammed through the first six goals of the contest to lead by 39 points at the first break before going on to record a 19.17 (131) to 8.13 (61) win in front of 34,022 fans at Etihad Stadium.
Essendon had winners across the ground in an impressive performance, which squared their season's ledger at six wins and six losses.
"To get off to a great start and then maintain that intensity over four quarters ... it's definitely the best in that regard," Worsfold said.
"There have been some good challenges for us this year and I'm rapt with the way everyone has attacked those challenges.
"We've certainly seen pretty good form over the last five weeks building up to tonight, which was our best form."
A fortnight after he was lambasted for a goalless effort against Richmond, Cale Hooker kicked five goals as Essendon won the inside 50 count for just the second time this season.
"He's a good player, a good footballer, and a very strong mark," the coach said of Hooker.
"He's making our forward line very efficient with the role that he's playing.
"Hooksy kicked a few tonight but they'll all get their turn."
Joe Daniher and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti also capitalised on the extra midfield supply with four goals apiece.
Zach Merrett (38 disposals), Dyson Heppell (34) and Jobe Watson (30) provided the midfield grunt as the Bombers dominated the possession count 446-361.
Port spearhead Charlie Dixon kicked four goals in last week's win over Hawthorn, but was held goalless by Bombers fullback Michael Hartley.
The Power were looking to climb into the top four with a win but couldn't match the energy of Essendon, who forced repeated turnovers then opened up their opposition with slick ball movement.
"It wasn't necessarily a big change but it's something we've been working on for three or four weeks," Worsfold said of the lightning-quick ball movement that sliced through the Power.
"It's been coming but tonight it really came together.
"It was noticeable from the start and I think the players picked up some good confidence from the way we were moving the ball early."
Share
