Essendon coach Mark Thompson is confident his group has the ability to take the next step as they strive for a finals appearance this season.

The Bombers currently sit in eighth position on the ladder with three matches remaining in the home and away season starting with Saturday afternoon’s clash against West Coast.

Thompson said he was continuing to work on how to best stimulate the group to perform on a more consistent basis.

“Our group has the talent to do it and they are good people so we need to find the tools to be able to do it.”

“I have been trying all year to find the tools and the key to unlock the lock.”

David Zaharakis, Jake Melksham and Travis Colyer were highlighted among a group of young Bombers to play an important role in driving the team forward.

“They are the most influential because they are the guys that know the older blokes, their habits and where they have come from,” Thompson said.

“They also are educating the young ones on their introduction to football.”

Thompson said the leadership of Jobe Watson would be a welcome addition against the Eagles on Saturday.

“They have done really well without him but he is a great leader and a great stoppage player,” he said.

“That is what we really need, someone in there with great hands.”

“It is his hands in stoppages, his leadership as well as his energy and excitement that we need.”

“He is excited to play.”

Essendon is prepared for a tough challenge against the Eagles who are coming off a convincing win over Collingwood.

“They have kicked 122 points the last two weeks so they are on a goal kicking feast,” Thompson said.

“I don’t want to pump them up to much, we respect them but it isn’t what I am here to do.”

“When they realised they weren’t playing finals they just came back and played care-free football that works.”