The Bombers enjoyed last week off with the bye, before returning to the training track on the weekend as they begin to prepare for this Friday’s match against Sydney.

It was a successful July for the Dons, winning all three matches, the first time they have won three in a row this season.

Essendon currently sits seventh on the ladder, yet a finals position is far from lock with just five games remaining.

Round 19: Sydney Swans (1^st, 13-4) @ SCG, Friday 1^st August

It’s a huge game to commence the month’s action as the Bombers travel to Sydney to face the Swans at the SCG.

The premiership favourites were knocked off last weekend by Hawthorn in a tight match, which ended their unbeaten run of 12 games in a row.

Essendon will take a lot out of the Hawthorn loss as they attempt to knock the Swans off on their home deck.

It’s a massive challenge nonetheless, and a great test for the Dons as they continue their surge towards securing a finals berth in the last month of the home and away season.

Round 20: Richmond (12^th, 7-10) @ MCG, Friday 8^th August

Essendon attempt to do the double on the Tigers as they face them for the second time this season at the ‘G.

Although unlikely, Richmond are still mathematically in finals contention, and have shown they are in good form winning four on the trot, including a huge win over premiership contenders Port Adelaide on the way.

The Bombers will have to be on their game as they try to get the win over the in-form Tigers in front of a huge crowd on the Friday night stage.

Round 21: West Coast (11^th, 7-10) @ Etihad Stadium, Saturday 16^th August

The Eagles make the long trip east across the Nullarbor to face Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

Another team who is unlikely to play September football, but still in mathematical contention, the Eagles have shown they are no easy beats this season.

They possess a dangerous forward line with a number of talls including Kennedy and Darling, complimented well with a number of smalls such as LeCras, Cripps and Bennell.

The Bombers will do their best to make the trip back west a miserable one for the Eagles in what should be a tight contest.

Round 22: Gold Coast (10^th, 9-8) @ Etihad Stadium, Saturday 23^rd August

As the Bombers attempt to lock a finals spot this month, Gold Coast pose a huge threat as the team vying to move up into the top eight, just one game adrift.

The Suns have produce clean, crisp and damaging football under the roof at Etihad Stadium this season, unbeaten in both their encounters at the venue.

After a bad fortnight since losing their skipper Gary Ablett, the Suns will be looking for a big scalp to be back in contention for their first ever finals berth.

It’s crucial for Essendon to sustain a solid four-quarter effort against the Suns, as a win will be vital to the Dons’ chances for finals action.

Round 23: Carlton (13^th, 6-11) @ MCG, TBC

The Bombers and the Blues go head-to-head again for the second time this season to conclude the home and away season at the MCG.

Carlton’s up and down season has come back to haunt them as September action seems unlikely. Yet, the Blues have shown they can match up well against good sides, and with the master coach Mick Malthouse in the box it should be a tough encounter in front of what should be another monster crowd between these two old rivals.