Essendon will field a team with 12 players who have played 40 games or less this Saturday against Melbourne in what is one of the club's youngest teams to date.

It's an important stage in the development of many of our players.  Here is a look at how they stack up against some of the elites of the competition.

1. Joe Daniher vs. Josh Kennedy:

Daniher has improved dramatically in his third year at the club. Starting the season strong, Daniher recorded several personal bests including a six goal haul against the Lions in round eight. Although he still has a lot of work to do, the young forward's development is on track as he continues to work hard at his craft. Current Coleman Medal leader and Eagles power forward Josh Kennedy was not always the dominant force he is today.

At the same age as Daniher he too struggled to find consistency, playing only seven games for the entire 2008 season, averaging one goal a game and kicking a total of seven for the season. 

Here is a comparision of Daniher's output today, compared to Josh Kennedy when he was the same age.

 2. Dyson Heppell vs. Chris Judd:

There is no doubt Chris Judd is one of the greatest players in the modern era. With two Brownlow medals, a Norm Smith medal, Premiership player and named six times as an All-Australian, there isn't much the champion didn't do. While Heppell isn't there yet, there aren't many differences to the two players when you look at them at the same age. 

In fact, from his 13 games this season so far, Heppell actually leads Judd in a number of key areas including avg. kicks, avg. handballs and avg. disposals. The desire to win the contested ball as well as a never give up attitude that Hepp demonstrates was also one of Judd's greatest attributes. 

Here is how a 23 year old Judd compares to today's Heppell.

3. Zach Merrett vs. Patrick Dangerfield:

 One of our youngest and most exciting prospects, Zach Merrett, is having an excellent season so far.  A hard nut and a tackle machine, Merrett has demonstrated his ability to win the ball and, if not, put huge pressure on the opposition to turn it over. 

Patrick Dangerfield has crafted himself into one of the elite midfielders of the competition, proving each week why he is so highly valued by not only the Crows but the wider AFL community. 

Here is how they match-up at the same age.