The result marked the Swans’ fifth consecutive win and helped the club to a 6-3 record going into the first bye, which was a welcome result after the Swans’ poor start to the season.
A seven goal to one opening term set up the Swans’ sixth win of the season, with Franklin opening the team’s account in the early stages of the quarter, before booting three more ahead of half time.
While Franklin was dangerous up forward, it was the Swans midfield who got on top against the Bombers, led by Josh Kennedy (39 disposals, five tackles), Kieren Jack (32 possessions) Craig Bird (31 possessions, seven tackles) and Dan Hannebery (28 possessions, four tackles).
Speaking after the match, Swans coach John Longmire said he thought his team's fast start set the tone and set up his side for one of their most impressive displays for the season.
"I thought the first quarter we had our pressure right up again," Longmire said.
"It just makes such a big difference when you are able to get the ball back from the opposition, and turn that into a scoring opportunity and kicking seven goals to one in the first quarter. It just means that you get out of the blocks really well, which we did."
Essendon 1.1 5.3 6.6 9.10 (64)
Sydney Swans 7.1 12.4 15.4 18.6 (114)
Best: Kennedy, Bird, Franklin, K.Jack, Parker
Goals: Franklin 5, McVeigh 3, Tippett 3, Parker 2, Kennedy, Derickx, Goodes, Rampe, Bird
Official crowd: 41,098 at Etihad Stadium
Brownlow Medal votes: 3 – J.Kennedy (Syd), 2 - Craig Bird (Syd), 1 – L.Franklin (Syd)
Bob Skilton Medal votes: Josh Kennedy 50, Lance Franklin 43, Kieren Jack 43, Craig Bird 39
