Essendon gears up for Round 18 action as the boys head back to Etihad Stadium to face the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon with both teams coming off big wins.

We have a look at the burning questions lingering over the clash in the second time these teams have met this season.

Can ‘Buckets’ keep clunking them?

Jake Carlisle’s unbelievable performance against Collingwood proved his status as a dominant force within the Bomber forward line. A massive 19 marks, 26 disposals and fours goals saw him tear the Collingwood defence to shreds in great reward for effort.

‘Buckets’ has kicked eight goals in the last three weeks and will need to continue his influence to provide an option for the midfield going forward with every opportunity inside 50 vital.

Under the roof at Etihad Stadium against the Dogs, there is no better conditions to continue taking the big grabs then on Sunday afternoon.

Another slog-fest?

The last time these teams met earlier in the season in round seven, it was an ugly encounter in a low scoring affair.

The Western Bulldogs have become a notable inside team loathing the contested ball and plenty of stoppages. They rank first in stoppages (28.4), third in tackles (75.5) and fifth in in contested possessions (144.4) per game.

Brendan McCartney has openly admitted he is building his young Bulldog brigade for tough, contested finals footy and the Bombers will need to be ready for a dog fight come Sunday afternoon.

Three-in-a-row?

Can Essendon make it three wins in a row for the first time this season? Twice this season the Bombers have had two wins in a row before falling the next week, highlighting the up and down season so far.

Yet the team looks as though it has turned the corner in the last seven matches, winning five and losing just two matches by a total combined margin of just ten points.

If the Bombers are to continue their fight for finals, three-in-a-row is a must to consolidate their position as the bye approaches the following weekend.

Interestingly if Essendon can win, it will be the sixth consecutive victory over the Dogs, something the club hasn’t done since 1966-69.

Fletch to find some form?

After being dropped from the team a fortnight ago, the 39-year-old proved his spot in the team in a dominant display against the Pies gathering 26 disposals and taking 13 marks.

When these two teams met earlier in the season Fletch was on fire roaming across the backline doing as he pleased and turning back the clock with 25 disposals and nine marks

It looms as the perfect opportunity for the 391 gamer to gain more momentum as the Bombers continue to stake their claim for a finals berth, which would be Fletcher’s 13^th finals appearance in his 22^nd season.

Another Dog-day for Crameri?

It’s fair to say the ex-Bomber Stewart Crameri had a day to forget against his old side back in round seven, struggling up forward for the Bulldogs, and will be under the spotlight again this weekend.

Nonetheless, his season has been serviceable for the Dogs, booting 26 goals to date and averaging just short of 14 disposals a match after leaving the Bombers at the end of last season in exchange for pick 26 in the 2013 National Draft, where Essendon gained young-gun Zach Merrett.

No doubt Crameri will be looking to prove himself against the Dons, but he’s sure to have a target on his back as he lines up against former teammates once again.