A much-improved and whole-hearted West Coast pushed Essendon all the way in a two-point loss at Optus Stadium on Good Friday.
The Eagles ambushed the Bombers early, flying to a 28-point advantage in the second quarter, but Peter Wright's six goals and a strong midfield put the Bombers back in control to win 11.11 (77) to 11.9 (75).
West Coast was left to rue a disappointing third term, when the Dons booted five goals to two, and some missed opportunities in the final quarter as they came storming home to no avail.
Jack Williams booted his third goal with 30 seconds left on the clock, giving the Eagles a chance for a famous victory.
But Essendon won the crucial centre clearance, taking vital time and field position away from West Coast, and the visitors held on for their third-straight win.
Key forward Jake Waterman (four goals) and returning vice captain Jeremy McGovern (23 disposals and 10 rebound 50s) led the way after injury-interrupted starts to the season, outlining their importance to a building side.
Elijah Hewett was outstanding in the second half, finding his groove on his return from a calf injury and snagging two goals from 21 disposals, with 12 contested possessions, in a bright display.
One of the Eagles' important next generation, Hewett was part of an improved midfield, including Tim Kelly (22 disposals) and Jack Graham (24, six tackles).
Brad Scott warned his team during the week that they could not afford to take the Eagles lightly, declaring there was no such thing as an easy game in Perth and they would be exposed if they were off their game.
Two minutes into the game and it was clear the coach knew what he was talking about, with the Bombers clearly off their game as a flat looking group struggled to get their hands on the ball, spraying kicks when they did.
The Eagles were making it hard for them, ramping up their pressure and racing to an early lead as Waterman marked everything that came his way and booted four first-quarter goals.
At the other end of the ground, McGovern had 11 disposals and was an intercepting force in his first game back from a groin injury as the Eagles won their second quarter for the season and took a 22-point lead into the first break.
The Bombers needed someone to stand up and Wright delivered, kicking back-to-back goals early in the second term to cut the margin to 17 points before Dylan Shiel made it three in a row for the visitors.
The Eagles continued to find big efforts though, with Harry Edwards putting his body on the line to save a goal, Brady Hough winning a big contested ball on the wing, and Jack Hutchinson laying several crunching tackles.
Essendon's midfield advantage became more obvious as the game wore on, but back-to-back goals from Jayden Hunt and returning midfielder Elijah Hewett restored a 25-point lead halfway through the third quarter.
Midfielder/forward Archie Perkins made a vital cameo for the visitors, however, kicking two goals in two minutes to launch a four-goal run that tied scores at the final change.
West Coast led for most of the night until WA product Nic Martin converted in the final quarter and the Bombers held on.
The Eagles remain winless heading for a huge challenge against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
WEST COAST 5.0 7.3 9.7 11.9 (75)
ESSENDON 1.2 4.3 9.7 11.11 (77)
GOALS
West Coast: Waterman 4, J.Williams 3, Hewett 2, Cripps, Hunt
Essendon: Wright 6, Perkins 2, Shiel, Draper, Martin
BEST
West Coast: Waterman, McGovern, Hewett, J.Williams, Baker, Graham
Essendon: Wright, Martin, Draper, Merrett, McGrath, Setterfield
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
Essendon: Draper (lower leg), Duursma (ribs)
SUBSTITUTES
West Coast: Tom Gross (replaced Tyrell Dewar in the fourth quarter)
Essendon: Saad El-Hawli (replaced Jade Gresham in the third quarter)
