With almost 500 games of senior coaching experience the Bombers boast one of the most seasoned coaching groups in the competition. 

It’s that experience, and particularly the knowledge of Domain Stadium, that will play a major role in Essendon’s clash with West Coast on Thursday according to Robert Shaw.

“In the coaches box there are three coaches that know the ground better than anyone,” Shaw said. 

“Worsfold and McKenna spent their life there and Mark Harvey’s done a lot of coaching at Fremantle.

“Worsfold and McKenna will know exactly how to attack, where to attack from and more importantly – against a potent West Coast forward line – how to defend this ground.”

Domain Stadium is about 15 metres longer than Etihad Stadium and the MCG.  It’s also narrower than both Melbourne venues.

Both sides enter the game coming off the bye and the Bombers will be looking to back up an impressive showing against GWS.

“I think that will be the key – whether they can manufacture that same system and that same style of game that they did so well at Etihad Stadium, on the longest ground (Domain Stadium) and one of the most difficult grounds to play on,” Shaw said.

“This is a very long ground and with Naitanui out of the side, maybe take the two pinch hitting ruckmen in (Daniher and McKernan) and I’d also like to see Laverde come in for the same reason – to add a little bit of potency to the forward line.”

West Coast is ranked number three for goals kicked this season and it’s three leading forwards (Kennedy 46, Darling 29 and LeCras 23) have kicked nearly 100 goals between them this season.

But Shaw said the Bombers have the defensive cover to compete with the Eagles.

“I’m very encouraged we’ve got the match-ups,” he said.

“Was it illness, or a little bit sore with Matt Dea last week – hopefully the rest has done him well, I’d like to see him come in and play on LeCras. 

“I probably wouldn’t like to see McDonald-Tipungwuti play on LeCras because we need his creativity and his adventure.

“You’ve got to be encouraged by the form of Michael Hartley and Patrick Ambrose.

“Ambrose is the perfect match-up for Darling because Darling is a running machine. 

“It leaves my most improved player – Michael Hartley – with the big job on Kennedy.” 

Shaw said limiting the supply and quality delivery in to the Eagles forward 50 would also be a key factor.

Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff are all averaging more than 25 possessions per game this season.

“How the midfield defends against the likes of Gaff, Shuey, Priddis and how they control the rebound of Shannon Hurn will be critical,” Shaw said.

“It’s going to come down to how we defend that ground and the pressure we can apply in the midfield.”