Essendon great Matthew Lloyd expects the ‘little things’ to tell a big story when the Bombers meet Melbourne at the MCG. 

Both sides are coming off significant losses with the Dons looking for their first win since round eight.

“I’m going to be looking at the first two or three stoppages, the effort around the ball, the contests, the pressure around the ball,” Lloyd said.

“I think that’s where it all stems from, your confidence comes from all the little things.

“The chases, the tackles, the smothers; and the rest just falls into line from there.”

Showers are expected tomorrow at the MCG increasing the chances of a scrappy match.

The Bombers are ranked eighth for one percenters this season, while Melbourne sit 17^th overall.

Lloyd said the ability for the Bombers to break away when they do win possession will also be important.

“Spread from the stoppages as well was an area St Kilda really beat up on the Essendon midfield so once the Bombers can win the ball  - who is spreading harder and can hurt Melbourne on the spread and overlap,” he said.