The Demons kicked the first three goals of Friday night's match, including two to Harris, on the way to a 5.6 (36) to 3.4 (22) victory.
The early onslaught from Harris set the tone for the match.
But it was also her ability to crash packs and lay huge tackles that ensured Melbourne gained the physical edge over their opponents.
Harris finished with 17 disposals, five tackles, 303m gained, one goal assist and two goals in a standout display at both ends of the field.
Elizabeth McNamara (24 disposals) and Maeve Chaplin (24 disposals, 606m gained) were also huge for Melbourne, while Madison Prespakis led the way for Essendon with a game-high 29 disposals.
Harris played only one game last season before succumbing to a shoulder injury, and she's loving being back out on the park, especially with Melbourne (7-1) sitting pretty in second spot.
"Last season I wasn't able to play, so it's a privilege to be out here. It's heaps of fun playing footy," Harris told the Seven Network.
"There were some moments in the game that we can be really proud of from a hunt perspective and the pressure rating, that's what we chase every week.
"But there's obviously room to improve."
Essendon slipped to a 3-5 record, leaving their finals hopes on thin ice.
Alarm bells were ringing early for Essendon after Melbourne kicked two goals in the opening two minutes courtesy of strong marks to Harris and Georgia Gall.
Harris kicked her second goal midway through the term to make it 19-0, but Essendon's former rugby star Grace Brooker pulled off a huge tackle to kick her first goal and get the Bombers on the board.
Melbourne won the inside-50 count 11-2 in the opening quarter, and took four marks inside 50m as Essendon's defence floundered.
The Bombers put up more resistance in the second quarter, but Melbourne still entered the half-time break with a 19-point lead.
Harris was an unstoppable force in the third quarter.
She cannoned into Essendon's Amy Gaylor in a front-on collision that hurt both players, and could potentially land Harris in hot water given there was high contact.
Moments later Harris won a free kick with a huge tackle - only to miss her 30m set shot.
Melbourne's lead extended to 25 points early in the final quarter, before Essendon kicked the final two goals of the match to add respectability to the scoreboard.
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