Essendon have kept their AFL finals hopes alive and dealt Collingwood's top four chances a massive blow with a 48-point thumping at the MCG.

The Bombers dominated the first and third terms, before lifting early in the fourth to put the Magpies away 19.14 (128) to 11.14 (80).

Midfielder Andrew Welsh starred with four goals and 29 possessions, while Matthew Lloyd also booted four majors.

Onballer Jobe Watson, who had 41 touches, was also outstanding while ruckman David Hille was the most influential player on the ground.

Several times Essendon opened up a lead of more than 30 points, though Collingwood twice closed to within a goal just before and after halftime.

But while Collingwood teased, they were never really convincing - and were not helped by a heavy free-kick count against them to three-quarter time.

Essendon jumped the Pies early with a five goals to one first term - Welsh booting three inside the first 10 minutes, the catalyst for his side as it drove forward at every opportunity.

Trailing by 33 points late in the first quarter, Collingwood then fought back with five goals in a row to halftime - forward Travis Cloke kicking three.

But once Hille asserted his dominance in the ruck and Lloyd revelled in the freedom of a role further up the ground than usual, the Bombers wound their lead back out past five goals.

The Bombers were reeled in to 19 points at the final change, then kicked seven goals to two in the last quarter to seal the victory.

Fittingly it was Welsh who put the issue beyond doubt midway through the term, winning a 50-50 ball, chasing it down, then booting truly for his fourth goal.

Both sides will be sweating on the match review panel on Monday, with Collingwood's Alan Didak and Essendon's Scott Lucas both reported for striking in separate incidents.

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