Essendon face Fremantle on Saturday night in what looks to be its biggest test of the season. 

The Bombers are coming off a narrow win against the up and coming Saints, while the Dockers had a comfortable victory over the Demons. 

A number of burning questions surround this clash.

Bellchambers biggest challenge?

Fremantle has dominated Essendon in the ruck in the last two meetings.  The Dockers have had 30 more clearances in that time.

Becoming Essendon’s number one ruckman since the departure of Paddy Ryder, Tom Bellchambers will face his biggest challenge of the season against Aaron Sandilands.  The 211cm Docker had more than 50 hit outs against Geelong a couple of weeks ago.  Bellchambers will need to make Sandilands work hard defensively.  Jake Carlisle and Joe Daniher will also have to play their roles when they’re in at the centre bounces.

Can Carlisle influence the forward line?

Jake Carlisle has some of the neatest hands in the competition and is slowly finding his spot up forward. 

Coming off a four goal bag against St Kilda, Carlisle will look to continue his form and become a reliable forward target. He is yet to kick a goal at Domain Stadium against the Dockers but will look to change that this weekend and cause the Fremantle defence a big headache.  With Luke McPharlin out of the Dockers side, there is an opportunity for the Bomber talls to expose their Fremantle counterparts.

Can the Bombers cover Fletch?

Dustin Fletcher was in fine form last week. The 40 year old gathered 19 possessions against St Kilda but will sit out Saturday night’s game against Fremantle.  

Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker are emerging as some of the best tall defenders in the game.  They would have learnt a lot from Fletcher, but will have to step up in his absence this week.

Can the Bombers play four quarters? 

Essendon will need to match Fremantle for four quarters if they are to defeat the premiership contenders. The Bombers have been overrun in several last quarters this season and will need to play a strong final term if they are to win.  The young legs of Travis Colyer, Zach Merrett and Marty Gleeson will be important late, as they were in the come from behind win against the Saints.