Essendon’s season is at a delicate stage as the Bombers prepare to take on West Coast in Perth on Saturday.

The Bombers are in 13^th position on the ladder, two games out of the top eight.

A win would be significant before the bye next week.

These are the burning questions… 

Can Carlisle cut it in the ruck?

Essendon coaching staff opted to leave out Tom Bellchambers with Jake Carlisle and Joe Daniher to share the ruck load this week.

Carlisle’s aerial prowess is well known but his ability at the centre bounce has only been tested sporadically. 

Nic Naitanui will have an edge when it comes to natural spring but what Carlisle lacks in leap he may be able to make up for around the ground. 

With all the talk about Carlisle’s contract and goal kicking, it’s easy to overlook he’s taken 15 marks over the last two weeks.

Can Hooker stop Kennedy?

Tom Hawkins may have ended up with four goals last week, but had it not been for the efforts of Cale Hooker, it could have been a much bigger haul. 

With the Cats dominating much of the play, Hooker was under intense pressure but continually repelled the Cats attack. 

West Coast can lock the ball in the forward half for extended periods giving Josh Kennedy ample opportunity to get on the score sheet.

He's already kicked 40 goals this year, eight clear of anyone else. 

The match-up between he and Hooker will be pivotal.

Can the Bomber midfield deliver?

Most games are won and lost in the middle of the ground and the Essendon midfield group faces a tough test this week.

Matt Priddis, Andrew Gaff and Luke Shuey provide a mixture of grunt and endurance and are excellent around the clearances.

The Bombers welcome back Jobe Watson this week and found a couple of extra options last week with Elliott Kavanagh and Orazio Fantasia impressing.

With Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard, Ben Howlett and Zach Merrett also in the midfield mix the Bombers have plenty of options.

Can the Bombers win in Perth? 

Essendon has already dropped one match at Domain Stadium this season when it lost to Fremantle by 28 points in round six. 

But the last time the Bombers played the Eagles in Perth, the visitors recorded a memorable seven-point victory.

Essendon enjoy tremendous support wherever it plays, especially in the west.

Matthew Lloyd spoke about the importance of kicking early goals on the road in his preview this week, so if the Bombers can get a few early ones supporters may be in for another memorable night.