Travis Colyer says the Bombers have something to prove when they take on Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.

Essendon is looking to rebound after a loss to the Bulldogs last week and a victory will be crucial if the Dons are to qualify for the finals.

Colyer said the match will be decided by which teams 'works harder for longer'. 

“I think over my time at the club, regardless of ladder position, it’s been a pretty tough contest against Carlton and whichever side works harder throughout the game, tends to come out on top,” Colyer said.

“I know we’ve had a couple of draws, we’ve played in a final, and we’ve been up and down on the ladder for the last six of seven years together.

“Ultimately, it’s just going to come down to who is willing to work harder for longer.

“With the amount of supporters that we will have there and coming off a loss against them earlier in the year – we definitely have something to prove this week.”

The last time the two sides met was in round three this year, when Carlton recorded a 15 point win over the Bombers.

In wet conditions the Blues were able to control the game, winning the ground ball and capitalising when the Dons turned the ball over.

“It’s something that we didn’t go too well in (wet weather football), we didn’t compensate our game style to what the weather offered up,” Colyer said.

“They were a lot better at controlling the footy.”

Essendon has included Patrick Ambrose, Josh Green and Ben Howlett in its line-up for this weekend.

“If you look at the guys that have come into the team – they are all real high pressure players and that is something that they are going to provide us,” Colyer said.

“I think it’s going to be a bit of a scrap and the pressure is definitely going to be on with the wet weather.

“I think ultimately it’s in our hands.

“If we can win this week, great, it will allow us to keep the momentum flowing.

“Moving towards the  finals, we need the win if we want to be a chance.”

The Bombers are tenth on the ladder with nine wins and nine losses.

Following the Carlton game, there are three games left in the home-and-away season.

“We still have a pretty tough run. We’ve got to travel, we’ve got Adelaide, and then Freo in the last round,” Colyer said.

“It would be fantastic to play finals but we’re not there yet and we still have a lot of tough games to go – it’s up to us.”

Essendon will pay tribute to Dustin Fletcher’s contribution to the club, with a lap of honour prior to the games.

Fans are encouraged to be in their seats at 1.40pm.