Some quicker ball movement in the attacking half and a few extra numbers to run through the midfield could hold the key to Sunday’s match against Carlton, according to Robert Shaw.

The Bombers are ranked second in the competition for disposals, but the weight of possession is yet to regularly translate into deep penetration inside the opposition’s defensive zone, with the Dons ranked 16th for inside 50’s.

Too much possession across the midfield without advancing up the field can allow defenders extra time to position themselves.

In recent weeks, Joe Daniher has often had to battle multiple opponents to take a mark inside 50.

“Essendon has had trouble with – not the match-ups – but the number of talls the opposition have played,” Shaw said.

“They’re getting the football, but if you look at the other end of the scale, they’re 16th for inside 50’s.

“I’d like to see them put a lot of pressure on Carlton’s backline, with some more direct play.

“Carlton aren’t that settled in their backline at the moment.”

The Bombers added three mature bodies who can rotate through the midfield to their squad.

James Polkinghorne, Ryan Crowley and Jonathan Simpkin were all named on the extended bench that will be trimmed later today.

Crowley and Simpkin had 62 possessions and six goals between them in the VFL last week.

Shaw said a few extra numbers to rotate through the midfield could be vital if Carlton decide – as Collingwood did last week – to assign run-with players to David Zaharakis and Zach Merrett.

“Carlton are going to put Curnow straight on to Zaharakis and they’re going to take particular notice of Merrett,” Shaw said.

“Essendon will have to move them to other areas of the ground.   Merrett will have to go to a wing, Zaharakis will have to go forward to try and break up those tags. 

“Simpkin on a wing, Crowley in the side and maybe Polkinghorne also just gives a bit more depth to the midfield.”

Robert Shaw is a former AFL Coach and was an assistant during the Bombers last premiership year.  He'll be providing regular analysis throughout the season.