Essendon coach John Worsfold says his side’s quick turnaround into its clash with Melbourne on Sunday has had no effect on its preparation for the ANZAC Day match against Collingwood.
The Bombers head into Wednesday’s clash off a 10-day break, but will be forced to once again change their routine in the four-day lead in to their match with the Demons.
“What obviously changes is the prep for Sunday from Thursday morning or Wednesday night on, but the prep for this game doesn’t change at all,” Worsfold said on Tuesday.
Worsfold is set for a busy day on Thursday, saying he will not pre-meditate any team changes for Sunday’s match until after the ANZAC Day game.
“We’ll definitely assess all 22 (players). It’s hard to make decisions on guys because depending on what happens in the game that may all change by Thursday morning.
“If you were planning on thinking this guy is not going to play on Sunday and another player gets injured and you think ‘nah we need him now’, then it all changes.
“All those decisions will be made throughout Thursday.”
Impressed by Collingwood’s recent form heading into the match off two convincing wins, Worsfold said he could see changes in the Magpies’ gameplay this season.
“There’s definitely differences in some of the stuff they’re doing and if you look over the last couple of weeks they’ve been very impressive,” he said.
“I think they’re excited about seeing the things falling into place with what they’ve been working towards.”
Worsfold said he was confident ruckman Tom Bellchambers and his fellow midfielders could curb the influence of opposing ruckman Brodie Grundy who was sensational against Adelaide in round four with 33 disposals and 40 hit-outs.
“It’s a challenge, we’re aware of how he plays and what he brings. We’ve got our systems in place around our ruckmen and our midfielders,” Worsfold said.
“In a nutshell, we’ll still play the way we like to play and challenge them to see if their game is good enough as well.”
Regardless of his role on the day, big or small, Worsfold said ANZAC Day always “stirs something inside you”.
“ANZAC Day would be special whether I was there coaching Essendon or whether I was going to the game as a spectator or whether I was just going to the dawn service as a member of the public.
“It is a great day where we all just reflect and remember those champion guys and girls that went overseas to fight for Australia and the guys and girls that are on current service as well.”
ESSENDON AND COLLINGWOOD HAVE JOINED FORCES. CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE ANZAC APPEAL
