Essendon is well aware of the challenge it faces in getting over the line against the in form Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs have won three of their last five games and currently sit number one in the competition for contested football.

Senior assistant coach Simon Goodwin said the side was not underestimating the task it faced in trying to overcome the Dogs.

“We are expecting a really competitive side, the Bulldogs are in terrific form at the moment,” Goodwin said.

“They have some young kids playing some really exciting footy, we are aware that they are a side that has won three out of their last five games and they are number one in contested ball.”

“We are going to have to really be on our game to get the result this weekend.”

Essendon surged into the top eight with a win over Collingwood last week and following North Melbourne’s loss on Friday night could move into sixth position with a win over the Dogs.

Goodwin said playing in finals is something that is certainly on the radar of the entire playing group.

“I think you saw last week a side that is very determined of where they want to go as a footy team,” he said.

“The real focus has been to continually improve to put ourselves in a position where we can play finals footy and that is probably where we are at now.”

“We have to keep playing the way we are playing, getting the results that we need and that will take care of itself.”

Goodwin praised the leadership of Dyson Heppell, David Myers and Brendon Goddard in the absence of injured captain Jobe Watson.

“We have seen it all through the group and it has been a great opportunity for guys to step up without a dominant player in our side.”