Despite not getting the win against the Giants last week, the Bombers were strong in a number of areas.

The side was able to win the clearances and inside 50 count, but couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard.

Adelaide is coming off a strong win against Richmond and will be looking for another victory as the Crows try to secure a finals spot. 

These are the burning questions.

How do the Bombers match it with the Crows midfield?

Adelaide boasts one of the best midfield combinations in the game.  Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield possess different skill-sets but they can all be damaging.  Sam Jacobs also plays an important role in the ruck.

Richmond tried to hurt Adelaide in transition last week by sending Trent Cotchin to Patrick Dangerfield.  It didn’t work with Dangerfield gathering 29 possessions and having eight clearances.

Matthew Lloyd expects Heath Hocking or Jake Melksham to run with Dangerfield.  He also says David Myers’ return will provide a big boost to Dyson Heppell around the stoppages. 

Despite the injuries, the Essendon midfield still contains Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard, Heppell, David Zaharakis and Myers.  They will need to perform strongly but have proven over their careers they are more than capable. 

Who goes to Tex?

With Michael Hurley out injured and Cale Hooker playing in the forward line in recent weeks, expect Jake Carlisle to get the job on Taylor Walker.

Walker has kicked 41 goals this season to be ranked ninth in the AFL.

This will be Carlisle’s third match back since injuring his ankle against Hawthorn in June.  The Bombers swingman kept Jeremy Cameron relatively quiet last week and will need to maintain that form against Walker.

Is Mark Baguley an All-Australian smokey?

The former Frankston Dolphin has been one of the Bombers most consistent players this season.  Each week he performs the difficult role of lining up of the opposition’s most dangerous small forward.

His task doesn’t get any easier this week with Eddie Betts the most dangerous small forward in the game having kicked 44 goals this season.

But Baguley is well equipped to excel again.  His defensive pressure is relentless and he is becoming more important in setting up the Dons attack each week.  He leads the club in kicking efficiency and is third in marks.

All-Australian honours may not come this year, but if Baguley’s rate of improvement continues, he may get that honour before too long.