Essendon VFL has locked in a finals spot after thrashing Frankston by 113 points on Sunday afternoon.

The Bombers were never challenged by the Dolphins, who now face the momentous challenge of attempting to register their first win before seasons end.

“We spoke about it today, getting that win so we can guarantee finals,” VFL Coach Hayden Skipworth said.

“We managed to do that and get a big win and get some percentage.”

Shaun McKernan was rested in the final term after dominating the ruck division, Skipworth hinting at an AFL selection next weekend.

The big-man finished with 22 disposals and a goal.

“I thought he was fantastic,” he said.

“There’s some doubt obviously over Giles so we only played him over the three quarters.

“He competed well, got involved and we were really happy with his performance today.”

The Bomber midfield brigade took control of the game early and had a day out.

“Nick O’Brien had 37 touches and nine clearances, Schroder had 36 touches and eight clearances and Coghlan had 30 possessions and kicked four goals,” Skipworth said.

“So we cant ask for much more from the midfielders.”

The VFL Bombers now face a five-day turnaround, playing next against Footscray this Friday night.

A win could almost secure a top-four position.

“We need to recover as much as we can,” Skipworth said.

“We got a few little niggles out of the game and only finished with one on the bench, so we will be trying to get those guys available for selection and ready for Footscray.”

Essendon 25.14 (164) defeated Frankston 7.9 (51)

Goals

Essendon: : K. Hardingham 4, D. Coghlan 4, J. Thompson 3, P. Ambrose 2, C. McKenna 2, D. Willis 2, S. Tagliabue , S. McKernan , A. Heppell , S. Heavyside , A. Tipungwuti , J. Schroder , E. Kavanagh , A. Browne

Frankston: J. Cass , A. Wilson , C. Buchan , J. Hammond , B. Cavarra , J. Soroczynski , J. Bubb

Best

Essendon: D. Coghlan , N. O''Brien , P. Ambrose , J. Schroder , K. Hardingham , S. McKernan

Frankston: N. Tuddenham , J. Pongracic , B. Cavarra , G. Valles , J. Hammond , J. Tynan