Robert Shaw says Essendon’s ability to take intercept marks in its defensive zone will be a key factor in tonight’s match against Port Adelaide.

The Bombers are coming off a 13 point win over Melbourne, while the Power are looking to rebound after a 58 point defeat in the Showdown.

Despite the heavy loss, the Power still recorded more inside 50’s than Adelaide, but they failed to capitalise.

“They only had six marks inside 50 for 70 entries,” Shaw said.

“Now the 70 entries is dangerous on paper, but (not) if you’re going to be intercepted.

“The key to this game is intercept marks in Essendon’s back half. 

“It looks like Port Adelaide will get the ball and they’ll get it inside 50, so if Essendon can set up a great defensive structure, turn the ball over and rebound very quickly – that is a key component of this game.”

The Bombers line-up in unchanged, meaning James Gwilt, Michael Hartley, Matt Dea, Mark Baguley, James Kelly and Martin Gleeson are likely to be the players entrusted with cutting the ball off in defence.

The six players took 46 marks between them last week.

Kelly is averaging eight intercept possessions per game. 

Up the other end of the ground, Shaw will be looking for a repeat of the forward line pressure the Bombers displayed against the Demons.

“It wasn’t great against Gold Coast, (but) it was superb last week,” he said. 

“You’ve got to bring that superb effort to buy the backline time to set up. 

“If Essendon’s backline can set up and be organised through Gwilt and Kelly and these experienced players, and the forward line applies great pressure to this Port Adelaide running team then Essendon have got a great opportunity here to back last week’s performance up with another win.”

Robert Shaw is a former AFL Coach and was an Assistant Coach when the Bombers won the premiership in 2000.  He'll be providing regular analysis for the Essendon website this season.