Essendon VFL coach Hayden Skipworth says the team is well placed to not be making any drastic moves in tomorrow’s practice match against Geelong at the True Value Solar Centre.

“We just want to play our brand and make sure our style is what we want going into round one (against Sandringham),” Skipworth said.

“We won’t tinker with the side too much and play them in their preferred positions.”

The side will face off against their Geelong counterparts from 12pm in their final hit out of the preseason before the preparations begin for the round-one clash against Sandringham next Sunday. 

“It’s been a long pre-season– the late start has made it even later– so it’s good to get through the last game against Geelong before we head into Sandringham next week.”

Skipworth anticipated draftees Kyle Langford and Jayden Laverde to be among those to impress, particularly Langford, who travelled with the team to Sydney last weekend as an emergency.

“Kyle is looking to play (AFL), he was emergency last week. So he’s right around the mark, and he will be looking to put a good performance under his belt and put his name up for selection again,” Skipworth said.

“Whereas Jayden is a young talented kid, he’s played mainly forward at the moment and he’s learning every week and getting better every week." 

While Skipworth revealed that midfielder Alex Browne, who got through his first game back from an ACL injury unscathed last week, will see full game time against the Cats.

“We’ve brought him back on game-time restrictions (last week), and this week he will play pretty much a full game. He played mainly back last week and we will look to push him up onto the wing this week.

“He’s made a great return from injury, his form last week was very good for a first-up hitout and we expect him to progress nicely throughout the season.”

The club wish to advise supporters that tomorrow’s practice match will take place following the AFL squad’s ‘Captain’s Run’ and there will be limited street parking available. There will be no parking available on site on and please ensure you respect parking signs and local residents when parking in surrounding streets.

Parking will be made available for supporters attending at the Melbourne Airport Club (309 Melrose Drive, Melbourne Airport) at the cost of a gold coin donation.  It is also recommended that spectators bring their own seating to the match.

VFL Practice Match:

Essendon vs. Geelong

Saturday 11th April, 12pm

True Value Solar Centre (275 Melrose Drive, Tullamarine)

Essendon Squad: