Coach, Matthew Knights, is set to field his youngest side yet, with nine members of the 25-man squad having played ten games or less.
Knights sees these players as a major part of Essendon’s future sustained success and Premiership prospects.
The last time the Bombers had three debutantes in a game was in Round one, 2004 with Nathan Lovett-Murray, Kepler Bradley and Brent Stanton. History repeats itself this week with Darcy Daniher, David Myers and Jarrod Atkinson confirmed to don the red and black guernsey in their senior debut.
David Hille will need to be on song this week in the absence of rucking partner Jason Laycock who has been omitted from the side. The Essendon ruckman has been inspirational throughout the early matches of the season, dominating the hit-outs and providing a tall option up forward. Patrick Ryder is likely to be given the task of assisting him in the ruck.
Brendan Lade and Dean Brogan are two of the best ruckmen in the AFL and will test Essendon’s big-men this week. This is the key area the Bombers will need to at least break even in if they are to have a serious chance of winning. If Port's ruckmen give their running players too many easy touches, they will be impossible to contain.
The Power midfield has the players to inflict a lot of damage and drive the ball into attack. Kane Cornes is an elite player and is supported by a barrage of capable midfielders.
Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson and Leroy Jetta - who is back from injury - will need to work hard to shut down the run that clubs have been able to generate in the past few weeks. They need to win the ball but supporters will be looking for a much stronger defensive showing from all Bomber players on Sunday.
Tom Hislop has been named in the forward line following impressive performances for Bendigo. The 19-year-old is yet to play a senior game this season after accumulating 33 possessions from his three games across half-back last season. Renowned for his courage, toughness and strong marking, Hislop could be the perfect candidate to replace the injured Alwyn Davey.
Key position prospect Darcy Daniher has also been named in the forward line where he will need to present himself and take pressure of Matthew Lloyd who will be keen to play a captain's game this week and lead from the front.
Dustin Fletcher’s absence with a groin injury creates a significant dent in the Bombers’ defensive armour. Mal Michael and Ryder will take to Warren Tredrea and Justin Westhoff while David Myers will provide run out of defence and has a damaging left foot.
With Jason Winderlich and Adam Ramanauskas out injured this week, Bachar Houli, Ricky Dyson and Jay Nash will need to provide the rebound out of defence and assist in the midfield. They carry plenty of responsibility, especially if the Bombers continue to allow the ball to enter the opposition's forward fifty as often as in recent weeks.
The Power can kick enough goals to beat just about anyone with Brad Ebert, the Burgoyne brothers, and even Lade known to kick a bag on a good day - especially if they get enough chances.
Although Port may hold the upper hand historically – having won nine out of the past 10 encounters – this game is a must win for both sides who sit 12th and 13th on the AFL ladder.
Regardless of the age difference, both sides have a point to prove and an attacking head-to-head battle looms.
