Senior Coach, John Worsfold, says Essendon has controlled their own destiny since the beginning of the year, and this weekend will be no different.
The Bombers are eighth on the ladder, with a potential win over Fremantle on Sunday set to secure them a place in the finals.
“All the discussion about where the ladder is at going into this game is important but I’ve always said we have been in control of our own destiny since we started pre-season,” Worsfold said.
“How hard we train and how hard we commit to the way we want to play together as a unit dictates where you are.
“At this stage of the year, the boys have controlled their destiny.
“We are one of the teams that are still a chance to finish in the eight and it comes down to this week, finishing it off.”
Fremantle are coming off back-to-back 104 point losses, but the Dockers recent form is irrelevant to the Dons who will leave nothing in the tank when they face them, according to Worsfold.
“I’m wary of every team, every week,” Worsfold said.
“Whether you’re playing Adelaide coming off an 80 point showdown win or a team that is coming off a loss – they all have the potential to play at a certain level.
“We know what Fremantle’s best level is, they sorted us out earlier in the year.
“The challenge for us is to play our best footy and let everything else take care of itself.
“Obviously they have some super talent out there so that will be a great opportunity for some match-ups.
“We want to go out and play our elite brand of football and measure ourselves against a team that we expect will make it a tight and tough contest.
“We don’t talk about being complacent, we talk about us ramping up the level we want to play at.
“This is the last home and away game, last opportunity for us to get out and show the consistency that we expect from each other.”
Josh Green and Orazio Fantasia have been ruled out for the game this weekend, but Worsfold has full faith in Josh Begley, Ben Howlett and Travis Colyer to step up if required.
“Obviously we had Begley come in on the weekend and we have Howlett and Colyer who have been really solid contributors this year as well,” Worsfold said.
“We are confident we can cover those guys.”
Essendon fans are encouraged to 'cheer the champs' Jobe Watson and James Kelly for their final home game of the season.
