Essendon will begin its 2015 season with a trip to ANZ Stadium to take on Sydney.
The Swans won two of their three NAB Challenge games while the Bombers are coming off a win in their final pre-season game against Melbourne.
Will the Essendon players who didn’t play in the NAB Challenge be able to perform?
Essendon’s list was basically divided in two during the final stages of the pre season - those playing in the NAB Challenge and those sitting out. The players left on the sideline have undergone an intense training regime to ensure they’re as prepared as they can be. Jobe Watson spoke of the physicality of those sessions during the week. The Essendon Captain said the group is sick of playing against each other and is ready to take on a real opponent.
What impact will Essendon’s recruits have?
Adam Cooney, James Gwilt and Jonathan Giles joined the Club in the off-season. Cooney will bring skill and pace to the midfield. The Brownlow medalist is fully fit and will help strengthen the club’s depth through the middle of the ground. Giles offers support to Tom Bellchambers in the absence of Paddy Ryder. While Gwilt will further strengthen a defensive unit that was one of the most miserly last season.
Who goes to Buddy?
It’s a match-up that has caused the Bombers headaches in the past. Lance Franklin averages five goals a game throughout his career against Essendon. Cale Hooker was named in the 2014 All-Australian team and seems best placed to take on the former Hawk. Michael Hurley could also line up on Franklin while Jake Carlisle is another option. James Gwilt was given plenty of key defensive roles in his time at St Kilda and performed strongly for the Bombers throughout the NAB Challenge.
Can the Bombers match the Swans midfield?
Essendon has steadily improved its midfield depth over the last few seasons. Jobe Watson, David Myers and Ben Howlett help provide the grunt. While David Zaharakis, Brent Stanton and Travis Colyer offer outside run. The acquisitions of Brendon Goddard, Paul Chapman and now Cooney mean the Bombers midfield options run deep. It’s an experienced group too and that will come in handy against the physical Swans on-ball division.
