Dashing defender Bailey Dale has racked up a Western Bulldogs record of 49 possessions in a 91-point demolition of Essendon at Marvel Stadium.

After winning five of their previous six games, Essendon had the chance to test their credentials against a genuine finals contender on Saturday night.

But they wilted against the red-hot Bulldogs, who showed no ill-effects following a match in the sapping Darwin humidity last week by slamming through the first nine goals of the game.

The Dogs' 18.19 (127) to 5.6 (36) victory came in front of 47,366 fans, with thousands of Bombers fans making an early exit amid the on-field carnage.

Essendon failed to curb Dale's influence in any way, as the 28-year-old almost notched 50 disposals in the dying stages.

By three-quarter time, Dale had already equalled the Bulldogs' record of 32 uncontested possessions in a game.

Dale broke the possession mark for a Bulldogs late in the last quarter, previously held by former captain Ryan Griffen.

"(Dale) is pretty unflappable," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

"His instincts in the game, his game sense is as good as anyone."

Essendon coach Brad Scott insisted they had plans to stop Dale, just none worked.

"Clearly both of them didn't work, and then we went to play an even number in the forward line and try to attack him, and that didn't work either," Scott said.

"I just think it's a really good lesson for us, that we need to be better with ball in hand and absorbing their pressure."

Essendon didn't register their first goal of the match until the 17th minute of the second quarter, and didn't add another in the first half to be 59 adrift at the main break.

After slumping to 0-2, the Bombers' only defeat before facing the Bulldogs had been to premiership favourites Collingwood.

But their five victories had come against bottom-seven teams, meaning a clash with the high-flying Bulldogs (6-4) was always going to be a serious challenge.

The Bulldogs had game-breakers everywhere, typically led by captain Marcus Bontempelli, who slotted the first goal of the match.

Small forward Rhylee West was imposing in the air and on the ground inside-50, finishing with a game-high four goals

The Bulldogs, who are without star forward Sam Darcy long-term, also hammered Port Adelaide by 90 points two weeks ago.

Bulldogs forward Arty Jones, who was recalled for his first game since round two was subbed out early in the second term with a hamstring injury.

The Bulldogs have a five-day break before heading to Geelong for a Thursday night showdown against the Cats, as they meet former teammate Bailey Smith for the first time.

Essendon have a chance to rebound when they face rebuilding Richmond in the Dreamtime match next Friday night.