A star trio with more than 600 AFL games experience will be on show for the VFL Bombers this weekend, with Paul Chapman, Adam Cooney and Heath Hocking all named to play against Geelong.

VFL operations manager Matthew Little said he expects the trio to do the simple things well all on return from injury.

“It’s always exciting to get those experienced players back in the side. They obviously bring a lot to our young VFL listed guys,” he said.

“We expect them to bring that high effort game - tackle, chase, and do all the team things, then no doubt their offensive sides of their games will look after itself.”

With six matches remaining, Essendon VFL sits fifth on equal points with four teams between fourth and seventh.

“It’s a really important game for us moving forward if we want to challenge and make finals - we need to win these sorts of games,” Little said.

Little said he anticipates a much closer contest than when the two teams last met in Round Eight.

“Geelong are definitely on the improve, they’re starting to get a lot of players back from injury," he said.

“Obviously they’ve got some quality players that have been going around at VFL level for a couple of years.

“It’s going to be a really tough game. I wouldn’t expect it to be anything like our game earlier on in the season”

Essendon LIVE VFL Radio is back against the Cats, making it easier for Bomber fans to follow the game.

“For the Essendon supporters it’s nice to be able to sit back and listen to VFL Radio rather than making the trip,” Little said. 

“And with Essendon AFL playing that night, it’s pretty convenient for them.”