Can Dusty be stopped?

The Tigers’ Dustin Martin has been a constant headache for just about every opposition team in the AFL so far this season. His trademark fend-off makes him almost impossible to stop once he gets the ball on the run (which is a frequent occurrence). The tough midfielder is averaging 29 disposals, 436m gained and 12 contested possessions a game in 2016 (all number one at Richmond). While Robert Shaw doesn’t believe that there is a direct match-up for Martin, the Bombers will have to try something to nullify his impact. Craig Bird, in his 150^th game, may be the one to run with Martin for a while – or at least hold him accountable around the contest. However, it will require a full team effort to ensure that Martin doesn’t get going early.

How will the battle of the giants pan out?

Essendon can look forward to the return of big man Matthew Leuenberger this week after he missed last week’s game through injury. It will not be an easy task for Leuey coming up against the much improved Shaun Hampson. Both talls match up quite with Leuey ranked 9^th in the AFL for total hitouts this year and Hampson ranked 7^th. The big difference could come in Leuey’s ability to move forward and kick goals.  He and Shaun McKernan will also need to work well together on the afternoon and be able to provide Essendon’s midfielders with first use of the ball.

Are Raz and Walla our new deadly combo?

The Bombers may have found the answer to their small forward woes of recent times with Orazio Fantasia and Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti providing plenty of spark last week against the Saints. While fans have seen what Fantasia is capable of as a speedy forward in recent weeks, they got their first look at how deadly Walla can be in front of goals. In his debut up forward, Walla directly contributed 20 of Essendon’s first 37 points, finishing with two goals of his own. Having played in the backline at some stage during their short careers, both also are able to put a significant amount of forward pressure on the opposition defenders. That will be important in locking the ball in the forward half and giving the forwards the maximum opportunity to hit the scoreboard.