Michael Hartley has the role on Eric Hipwood in the Dons defence, while Michael Hurley is on Archie Smith.

At the other end of the ground Brisbane’s Harris Andrews is on Joe Daniher and Daniel McStay is on Cale Hooker.

The Bombers took three marks inside 50 in the first seven minutes of the first quarter to kick the opening two goals of the match.

Essendon dominated the territory early in the match with 75 per cent of the first 12 minutes of the game spent in the Dons attacking half.

At quarter time the Bombers led the inside 50s 15-9 and on the scoreboard the advantage was 14 points.

Brendon Goddard (13 disposals) and Dyson Heppell (nine disposals) were particularly active in the first term, while Daniher booted two goals.

 

Essendon struggled to execute its final kick inside the forward 50 during the second term allowing the Lions to pounce.

In a low scoring term, the visitors booted the opening two goals of the quarter to cut the margin to one point.

The Dons missed some opportunities to respond before the Lions hit the front just before half time.

Daniher steadied with his third just before the siren but at the major break, the game is in the balance.