Essendon will take an unchanged line-up into the Round 3 game against Port Adelaide.
The team will be looking to replicate their performance from Round 2 and leave Adelaide with the win.
Despite some big exclusions for the opposition, Coach John Worsfold is expecting to face a competitive Port Adelaide who are coming off a big loss to the Crows.
He highlighted the importance of nullifying the impact of Port's midfield and believes that if Essendon can win the contest, they will put themselves in a good position to win the game.
“They’re obviously a very good contested ball winning side with quite a big, strong midfield, so that’s going to be one challenge for us – to match them in that area,” Worsfold said.
“Their ability to move the ball fast and go forward fast – they’re going to take us on with that as well, so it’ll test our defence but it’s something the guys will look forward to.”
Essendon will return to South Australia for the first time since 2014 and are hoping to see plenty of Red and Black in the stands at Adelaide Oval.
Port Adelaide vs. Essendon
Friday April 8, 7.20pm (ACST)
Adelaide Oval
Team:
B: Matt Dea, Mitch Brown, Mark Baguley
HB: James Gwilt, Michael Hartley, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
C: Brendon Goddard, David Zaharakis, Jackson Merrett
HF: Zach Merrett, Patrick Ambrose, Kyle Langford
F: Mathew Stokes, Joe Daniher, Nick Kommer
R: Matthew Leuenberger, Ryan Crowley, Darcy Parish
I: Martin Gleeson, Orazio Fantasia, Adam Cooney, James Kelly
Emergency: Jonathan Simpkin, Sam Grimley and Craig Bird
