Essendon are set to jet to WA for Saturday’s Elimination Final against the Dockers.

The do-or-die encounter marks the fifth interstate trip just this season for the Bombers, who have taken their travels in stride during a rewarding year to date, locking away a second consecutive appearance in the finals series.

With five wins and just one defeat from their past seven games, the Bombers have found ways to adapt their game as the season’s worn on, with Saturday’s final an opportunity to see their evolution from the opening rounds.

Essendonfc.com.au looks at the key features and storylines ahead of the club’s second ever final in the AFLW competition.

Recent history

Saturday holds the first ever AFLW meeting between the two clubs away from Victoria, with the Dons hosting the previous two clashes at Windy Hill in the last couple of seasons.

The round four clash in 2023 saw the Bombers prevail by 20 points in a high-quality game, propelled by the efforts of Bonnie Toogood (22 disposals, two goals) and Jacqui Vogt (12 touches, two goals).

Fremantle would return serve at the venue in round one this season, capitalising well on their chances to record a 43-point away win. With Toogood and youngster Amber Clarke each ruled out early in the game to injury, the Dockers ran out the game more strongly.

The Dons will be keen to try and make amends for that result this time around, looking to channel a strong second half of the campaign that placed them in the finals equation.

Adapt + overcome

Throughout the year, Essendon have found themselves having to cover for key players and the weekend will be no exception, with Co-Captain Toogood and ruck Steph Wales each ruled out for the remainder of the season.

Former Docker Steph Cain will take on sole Captaincy duties against her old side, with her leadership set to play a big role in the Bombers’ return to the finals. Maddi Gay’s strong form has been a major highlight from the season to date and her influx of finals experience will be another factor in steadying the Dons’ back six.

In the absence of Wales, the potential pairing of Matilda Dyke and Sophie Alexander could once again hold the fort at centre bounces, allowing for versatility around the ground.

Recent form

Essendon’s gradual growth has been a positive takeaway from the year to date, with the side beginning to thrive after the halfway mark.

A successful midweek footy period saw the side’s conditioning and endurance stand out, winning four games between weeks five-to-seven and largely getting through unscathed.

The Dons’ only loss since that point has come in the form of the competition’s sole undefeated club in North Melbourne – an exciting final fortnight saw the Bombers secure their position in the top eight with a draw against Richmond and a gutsy six-goal win over the Blues at IKON Park.

Fremantle will also enter the fixture in good touch following three consecutive wins, the most recent being a 14-point home victory over the Dogs.

The Bombers’ ability to travel has been a standout all season and they’ll need to back that up once again to continue their 2024 campaign.

The First Elimination Final kicks off from Fremantle Oval at 7pm AEDT (4pm AWST) on Saturday night.