In what shapes as a crucial period in the 2014 season essendonfc.com.au takes a closer look at the Bombers month ahead throughout June.

Round 12: Greater Western Sydney (17^th, 2-8) @ Spotless Stadium, Saturday 7 June

The Bombers start the month by heading north to the harbour city to tackle the GWS Giants. The Giants played themselves back into some sensational form last week, putting the reigning premiers, Hawthorn, to thesword, yet falling agonisingly 7 points short. The Giants forward line led by Jonathan Patton will prove a tricky task for the Bomber defence, as will becontaining the classy GWS midfield that can take it up to the best.

Round 13: Melbourne Demons (15^th, 3-7) @ MCG, Sunday 15 June

Paul Roos’ young Demons looked to have turned the corner from their dark days of past, adopting solid defensive structures and beginning to be competitive in almost all games. The Bombers should be expecting a four-quarter dogfight and will have to grind this one out till the end. It will be a great atmosphere at the ‘G for a Sunday twilight game and we hope to see it filled with red and black!

Round 14: Adelaide Crows (9^th, 5-5) @ Etihad Stadium, Saturday 21 June

The Bombers take on the Crows under the roof on a Saturday night. This is the definition of an ‘8-point’ game for both teams as they sit evenly placed on the ladder, and look to get a break. Early signs point to a Heath Hocking and Patrick Dangerfield matchup, which looks to be a mouth-watering clash between two tough-nuts. 

Round 15: Geelong Cats (6^th, 7-3) @ Etihad Stadium, Friday 27 June

Friday night footy will be back for the Bombers up against the Cats. A huge game nonetheless for the Dons, added to further by Paul Chapman facing his former club for the first time. Mark Thompson will be the senior coach against his for the first time since he left. These clashes always tend to go down to the wire in nail biters, and this one has every indication of being the same.