An inspired three-goal first quarter from power forward Bannister set the Bombers on their way and they never looked back, kicking away for an 11.6 (72) to 1.1 (7) win in front of 3325 fans at Windy Hill on Friday.
The Bombers (2-3) now sit just four points outside the top eight while Melbourne (1-4), who are normally among the league's strongest teams, are in the bottom four with their finals hopes slipping away.
It was Essendon's biggest-ever win, their first over the Demons, and Melbourne's lowest-ever score and biggest losing margin.
Essendon impressed with their surging, relentless attack while keeping Melbourne scoreless across the final three quarters.
Daria Bannister races out with two quick goals for the Bombers!— AFL Women's (@aflwomens) #AFLWDonsDees pic.twitter.com/aUSPfBxIUGSeptember 27, 2024
Midfield enforcer Madison Prespakis racked up 32 disposals and seven clearances and also kicked a goal.
Georgia Nanscawen (24 disposals) also shone, with support from Steph Cain, Georgia Gee and ex-Demon Maddi Gay among others, while Ellyse Gamble and Amber Clarke kicked two goals apiece.
Youngster Ryleigh Wotherspoon kicked Melbourne's only goal, in the first term, while Maeve Chaplin (23 touches), Tyla Hanks (21 disposals), Sinead Goldrick, Tahlia Gillard and Kate Hore fought hard.
Melbourne were without the likes of Tayla Harris, Lauren Pearce, Olivia Purcell, Blaithin Mackin, Eden Zanker and Grace Beasley through injuries.
On Friday, Eliza McNamara suffered a broken nose in the first quarter while Shelley Heath injured her left shoulder in a tackle in the second term and was assisted from the field.
Essendon's Sophie Van De Huevel came off for treatment on her knee in the final term.
Essendon got off to the perfect start when Bannister snapped the opening goal then snared her second after earning a holding-the-ball free kick for a crunching tackle on Chaplin.
Bannister's third gave Essendon a 17-point lead at the first change.
The Bombers nudged out to a 32-point lead at half-time with two unanswered goals.
Bannister kicked her fourth midway through the third term as Essendon went into party mode, leading by 46 at three-quarter time, then more than 10 goals at the final siren.
Essendon next play Sydney at Whitten Oval on Wednesday while Melbourne play GWS at Ikon Park on Thursday.
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