Fresh from the bye, Essendon will be looking to defeat Hawthorn for the second time this season when the side’s meet at the MCG on Saturday.
The Bombers have made five changes for the clash as they look to end their three game losing streak.
These are the burning questions.
Can Winderlich provide the spark?
The Bomber veteran returns to the side for his first game this season.
The 29 year old has proved a capable forward throughout his 128 game career but Coach James Hird has signaled Winderlich is likely to start in defence.
That’s where he’s played his last two matches in the VFL.
Winderlich will take one of the dangerous Hawthorn small forwards and then look to set up play when the Bombers get possession.
His leadership has been likened to ‘having another coach on the ground’ so this is a key inclusion for the Dons.
Who covers Colyer?
The West Australian is likely to miss the rest of the season with a foot injury.
He has been in excellent form for the Bombers all year and was crucial in the round two victory over Hawthorn.
The returns of Courtenay Dempsey and Jackson Merrett bring pace in to the Essendon line-up.
They will be important, but so will the speed the Bombers are able to move the ball by hand and foot.
Who stops Cyril?
The Hawthorn star doesn’t need many possessions to have a major impact on the result.
He’s quick, evasive and sets up teammates to score.
Mark Baguley has played consistently well for the Bombers over the last 18 months.
The former Frankston Dolphin generally gets first crack at the opposition’s most dangerous small forward.
Courtenay Dempsey, Martin Gleeson and Jason Winderlich would be the other contenders but Baguley seems the best fit.
How does Essendon’s ruck set-up work this week?
Shaun McKernan is back on the senior list and straight into the side.
The athletic big man has been in dominant form in the VFL and his inclusion will enable Jake Carlisle to spend more time in the forward line.
McKernan said he’s learnt from his time at Adelaide and wants to find greater consistency.
He gets his chance against the Hawks.
Can we see a repeat of round two?
James Hird said the Bombers take confidence from every win, but know a lot has changed since the teams last met.
On that occasion the Bombers struck the right balance between being aggressive with their ball movement, but not reckless.
Finding that same formula on Saturday will be crucial.
As Matthew Lloyd stated during the week, a month ago everyone was writing off the Tigers. Since then, they’ve won four straight.
Melbourne’s win over Geelong last Sunday shows this is a very even competition; so don’t write off the Bombers.
