Melbourne have maintained their perfect MCG record in 2026, celebrating the life of Neale Daniher with a comfortable 45-point triumph over lowly Essendon.
After a shock defeat to the Bombers in April in Gather Round, the Demons didn't slip up this time as they made light work of the likely wooden spooners, 13.17 (95) to 6.14 (50).
In a further blow for the beleaguered Bombers, Archie Roberts - who would almost certainly be leading the club's best-and-fairest - badly hurt his shoulder in the second quarter and played no further part in the match.
During an attempted tackle on Kysaiah Pickett, Roberts collected the Melbourne superstar around the neck to give away an inside-50 free kick.
The prolific left-footer then immediately came off the ground cradling his dislocated right shoulder.
