Essendon will look to advance through the VFL final series when they take on Footscray in Sunday’s semi final at North Port Oval.

Matthew Egan and his playing group are urging as many Bomber fans to come and cheer on the boys against another quality opponent.

The Bombers will be desperate to repeat the result of last year’s massive victory over the Bulldogs in the same match.

Here are some of the things you need to know before tomorrow’s game.  

Footscray v Essendon

North Port Oval – 2.40pm

The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 for Victorian viewers. Interstate viewers can watch online via au.tv.yahoo.com/plus7/live 

History

Essendon and Footscray have met once this season, back in round seven with the Bulldogs winning by 19 points at Windy Hill.

Essendon were well served that day by Will Hams who had 35 disposals, Aaron Heppell had 29 and Jackson Merrett 27. Shaun Edwards collected 30 touches and kicked three goals.

Footscray’s Mitch Honeychurch and Josh Dunkley both had 31 touches, with Jordan Russell picking up 30. 

Form

Footscray will be looking to bounce back following their 70-point loss to the Casey Scorpions in last weekend’s qualifying final.

The Bulldogs had a bye in round 19 but finished the home and away season with big wins over Werribee and then a 32-point win over the inform Collingwood.

Essendon has won their last four matches.

Essendon team

B: 10. Aaron Francis, 68. Jim Ferry, 77. Josh Freezer

HB: 14. Jason Ashby, 56. Sam Michael, 57. Ben McNiece

C: 34. Jake Long, 59. Aaron Heppell, 20. Jackson Merrett

HF: 19. Shaun Edwards, 67. Jack Langford, 45. Conor McKenna

F: 41. Will Hams, 82. Ben Dobson, 27. Mason Redman

R: 52. Mark Jamar, 62. Daniel Coghlan, 50. James Polkinghorne

Int from: 83. Nick Hind, 46. Tom Wallis, 25. Alex Morgan, 60. Sam Heavyside, 75. Alex McLeod, 61. Alex Boyse, 70. Alex Marklew, 38. Nick Kommer

23^rd: 76. Nash Holmes.

Dangerous ‘Dogs

Mitch Honeychurch, Nathan Hrovat and Koby Stevens have all been named for tomorrow’s game, it will be interesting to see if all three line up and how the Bulldogs may manage a few players who could play a part in the AFL finals.

Former Carlton and Collingwood player and now Foostcray captain Jordan Russell is a key member of the defence but is named on a wing with big Will Minson primed for yet another tussle against Mark Jamar. Essendon’s fans will see a familiar face Lachie Dalgliesh who is a key part of the Bulldogs lineup.

Pregame

St Kilda and Melbourne Uni will fight for a spot in the VFL Women’s Grand Final when they face off in the Preliminary Final as a curtain-raiser from 11.50am.

Ticketing

Adults $15

Pensioners/Concession $10

Kids 12 and under free

Public Transport

Tram – Stop 127 on Route 109 

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