Bombers brush Crows, surge to fifth spot in AFL

The result has set up a huge clash with reigning premiers Geelong next round but has come at a cost, with key defender Jordan Ridley sustaining a knee injury soon after half-time.

The fall-out could yet grow worse, with ruckman Andrew Phillips to face scrutiny over a high bump on Sam Jacobs in the dying stages.

Just about everything else clicked for Essendon, who controlled the speed of the contest from the outset and cashed in on their midfield dominance with a spread of 10 goalkickers.

Merrett racked up 38 disposals and four clearances as fellow ball-winners Darcy Parish (39, eight) and Andrew McGrath (31 touches) also got their hands dirty.

Teen midfielder Ben Hobbs (20 disposals, six clearances) impressed and Wright, the focal point in attack, hit the scoreboard for the first time in a month.

The Bombers' leading goalkicker Kyle Langford matched Wright's tally of three majors, taking his season total to 32, while Jye Menzie and Matt Guelfi added two apiece.

Rory Laird (31 disposals, 10 clearances) and Jordan Dawson (28, six) never gave up for Adelaide, while Coleman Medal leader Taylor Walker, Izak Rankine and Luke Pedlar kicked two goals each.

Early in the game, it was Essendon's centre-bounce dominance and lightning ball movement that told the story as they piled on five of the first six goals inside 13 minutes.

It laid the platform for their equal highest-scoring opening term since 2012 and a 7.6 to 5.1 lead at quarter-time.

The free-flowing contest continued in the second quarter as the relentless Bombers increased their advantage to 37 points by the main break and brought fans to their feet as they left the field.

The goals dried up after half-time but that suited Essendon, who were able to hold their opponents at a safe distance.

Adelaide won the final quarter 38-24 to add some respectability to the scoreboard in a loss that cost them their spot in the top eight.