As Gawn watched on with a chipped fibula, the Demons relished the wet conditions and kicked 41 points clear during the final term before withstanding a late challenge in their 13.6 (84) to 10.7 (67) victory at the MCG.
Trent Rivers (29 disposals, eight clearances) continued his strong midfield form and inexperienced forward Daniel Turner kicked three goals, while Kysaiah Pickett celebrated his 100-game milestone with two majors in front of 52,866 fans.
The result lifted Melbourne (10-7) up to sixth spot on the ladder ahead of Sunday's matches.
Kysaiah Pickett marked his 100th AFL game with two goals for the Demons. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)
The Bombers (10-6-1) would have moved into outright second place with a win, but could now be as low as seventh by the end of the round.
Key forwards Jacob van Rooyen and Harry Petty shared ruck duties in Gawn's absence and were outpointed in the air by Essendon's Sam Draper.
But van Rooyen and Petty held their own around the ground and it was Melbourne who dominated the clearances (44-32) and got on top in the territory battle when it mattered.
Jake Melksham again proved a crucial link player in his second game back from a long-term knee injury, finishing with 2.1 and six score involvements from 12 disposals.
Steven May was outstanding as the Demons' defensive marshal, and Bayley Fritsch kicked three goals.
Draper (20 disposals, seven clearances) was one of Essendon's best, Jordan Ridley (29 touches) was busy, and Nic Martin kicked four goals - three in the final term.
But the Bombers were no match for their stronger and hungrier opponents.
Rivers was outstanding in a tight first half and the Demons led 6.6 to 4.5 at the main break.
Essendon were always going to mount a challenge and had all the play early in the second half, but couldn't make it count.
Pickett made them pay, the elusive speedster dodging and weaving his way out of a contest to set up the first goal of the third quarter to Ed Langdon (31 disposals).
The Demons got out the back of Essendon's defence twice during the third term, extending their advantage to 17 points by the final change.
Martin breathed life into the contest with his second goal for the Bombers early in the final quarter, but Melbourne shut the gate by slamming on the next five goals in a decisive 11-minute burst.
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