Stand-in captain Brendon Goddard is expecting the GWS Giants to come out firing in the club’s second NAB Challenge game at Spotless Stadium tonight. 

Despite the Giants resting several key players, Goddard believes their quickly developing list will want to put on a performance against the Bombers' line up. 

“GWS obviously have some depth with their youth. They’re a fiercly contested ball team and they pride themselves on that,” Goddard said.

“They’re obviously another year older and another year fitter and stronger, so we expect nothing less than a good contest and a good hit-out.”

With a host of familiar faces returning to the side, including Joe Daniher, Zach Merrett, Patrick Ambrose as well as some new faces in Adam Cooney and James Gwilt, Goddard believes that there will be less pressure on the side’s younger players and new NAB Challenge recruits.

“There’s no high expectations based on performance,” he said.

“For the younger guys - it’s just keeping things simple, basic things based around effort and being around the contest.

“They’ve probably got higher expectations for themselves, but from my point of view and the coaches of the footy club, it’s just the basics that they should be focused on.”

Essendon’s second NAB Challenge game against the GWS Giants will kick off tonight at Spotless Stadium from 7:10pm. You can find all the match details here.