Down by 22 points in the second term, the Bombers first calmed the Orange Tsumani and then launched their own punishing wave to win 12.10 (82) to 9.8 (62) in the Saturday twilight game at Marvel Stadium.
Nic Martin was outstanding off half-back as Kyle Langford kicked four goals and Matt Guelfi also played a crucial role with his brace of three.
Kyle Langford breaks for open space during the Bombers' win over GWS. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)
Giants midfielder Tom Green had a game-high 34 disposals.
Apart from improving to 7-2-1 and going above the Giants on the ladder, Essendon also made a statement after their round-23 capitulation last year.
GWS slaughtered the Bombers at home by 126 points to destroy their finals hopes and deliver a major setback to coach Brad Scott's regime.
Essendon produced their best performance of the season so far to spoil the occasion for Giants legend Callan Ward, who was chaired off the ground after his 300th game.
300 games of Callan Ward �— AFL (@AFL) #AFLDonsGiants pic.twitter.com/F6TDaHfCKyMay 11, 2024
The Giants were cleaner early and took their chances better, kicking four goals to one in the opening term.
They broke out to a game-high lead of 22 points when captain Toby Greene kicked his first goal in the second quarter.
But Langford looped a superb goal from his set shot deep in the pocket as the Bombers fought back and when he kicked his second late in the term, they only trailed by 12 points at the main break.
Essendon dominated the third quarter, racking up 19 inside 50s to seven.
Langford kicked another two and when Mason Redman launched a bomb from outside 50m as the Bombers hit the front for the first time.
They extended their advantage to 14 points when Guelfi kicked the first goal of the last term.
After Toby Bedford took a great mark and kicked accurately to keep the Giants in the contest, Guelfi posted his third and Nick Hind goalled on the run to build a match-winning break.
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