Essendon coach Mark Thompson said his side's likely finals berth would be a just reward for his players, who had battled hard all season in trying circumstances. 

"I think they’ve been dealt a hand that’s been awful, so for them to make it [finals], yeah … it’s fantastic for them," Thompson said. 

"I’m glad they’ve got something out of it and that was the reason why we’re all here, for them, because they’ve been treated pretty badly."

Essendon led by five points at quarter-time and added four goals to Gold Coast's two in the second to open up an 18-point advantage at half time, 7.6 (48) to 4.6 (30).

The Bombers activated their sub in the third quarter after Cale Hooker left the field with concussion.

Gold Coast scored four consecutive goals to edge within a point of the Bombers during the third term but Essendon steadied to lead 11.9 (75) to 10.8 (68) at the final change.

Two goals early in the final term put the Suns in front before the Bombers put through four in succession to move 12 points clear.

Swallow's bomb from outside 50 metres at the 18-minute mark kept Gold Coast in touch but six minutes later Goddard booted his third goal of the match to give the Bombers some breathing space.

Ryder's second goal of the term sealed the win in the 30th minute.