Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’s move to the forward line is set to continue against Richmond.
Walla was instrumental in the Bombers four-quarter performance against St Kilda last Sunday.
He booted two goals and set up four others.
Essendon Coach John Worsfold said he’s keen to have an extended look at McDonald-Tipungwuti in attack to see how he adjusts to the increasing attention he’s likely to get from opposition defences.
“Our aim will be to not just have a look at him in one week,” Worsfold said.
“We need to give him the opportunity to settle in there and give him the opportunity when opposition teams have had a look at him, and we’ll try to work out ways to counter that.
“We believe he’s got the skill set to be able to impact up forward for us.”
The Bombers welcome back Matthew Leuenberger and David Zaharakis for the clash against the Tigers.
Zaharakis admitted to being frustrated at not being able to help his teammates get over the line against the Saints.
Worsfold said the best and fairest winner doesn’t need to make-up for his indiscretion that saw him suspended.
“My challenge to Zacka is he shouldn’t be focused on having a big game because of what happened last time,” Worsfold said.
“He’s got a routine and a focus of how he should contribute week in and week out, regardless of outside circumstances.
“He brings enormous skill and hard running to our team and that’ what we expect him to deliver.”
After a slow start to the season, Richmond has won six of its last nine, including a narrow loss to Western Bulldogs last week.
“They’ve got an enormously experienced and talented midfield that is gong to challenge us,” Worsfold said.
“Their forward line, led by Riewoldt and Lloyd, they’re talented forwards but they’ve all got the All-Australian full back (Rance) from the last couple of years as well.
“They’ve got talent across every line and they bring what we’re after which is another opportunity to test ourselves against a very good team.
“We want to build consistency and continuity of effort and pressure on the opposition.
“We’ve shown throughout the year we’ve been able to do it for periods and in some full games, but not enough.
“We’re really excited at the opportunity to be able to back up last week’s effort.”
