After a telling victory over the Eagles last weekend, Essendon has the chance to almost lock up a finals spot with a victory over the Gold Coast Suns this weekend at Etihad Stadium.

The Suns are still within a sniff of a top eight position themselves despite dropping their last two games, and have shown they are more than a formidable opponent in 2014.

This is poised as yet another crucial clash for the Bombers, yet again we pose the burning questions surrounding the match.

Finally four quarters?

Essendon struggled with consistency again against the Eagles last weekend as it continues to be something that needs to be addressed by the team if they are to play finals football.

A number of key personel within the team, including coach Bomber Thompson and captain Jobe Watson have reiterated that at their best, they can match it with the top sides. Yet their gap between best and worst during games is too far in-between.

With just two games remaining, Essendon need to prove that they can be a consistent football side and string four quarters of quality football on both occasions.

Who does Hocking go to?

It doesn’t make it any easier for Hocking despite Suns skipper Gary Ablett being out of the side for the remainder of the season with a dislocated shoulder, with Gold Coast possessing a plethora of talent through the midfield.

Jaeger O’Merea, David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Harley Bennell top the list as potential targets for the Bomber run-with man to latch onto, highlighting the depth developed in the Gold Coast list, particularly throughout their midfield.

Whoever Hocking decides to follow this Saturday afternoon will be up for a tough day at the office after once again he got the job done last weekend against the Eagles keeping Andrew Gaff to a modest 23-disposal game.

‘Licka’ up forward or down back?

After dominating across the half backline for a number of weeks, Winderlich was moved up forward at a crucial stage during last weekends match with it paying off thanks to three clutch goals that helped his team over the line.

It makes for an interesting decision come match committee this week on just where Winderlich will start against the Suns.

At 29, Winderlich oozes class and experience wherever he plays on the field and after announcing his retirement at the end of the season, he is sure to continue his care-free and nothing-to-lose attitude regardless of whether it’s forward or back.

Can the Dons handle the heat?

In an alarming stat ahead of this weekend’s match, the Gold Coast Suns lead the competition in one %’s and rank second in contested possessions, highlighting their ability to apply pressure around the contest and win the hard ball.

On the other end of the spectrum, it’s been well documented the Bombers enjoy to run and create for their teammates this season as they continue to lead the competition in uncontested possessions.

Essendon will need to be prepared to handle the heat around the contest as the Suns are sure to be doing the little things in an attempt to pressure the ball carrier, which will no doubt be heightened as they fight to keep their season alive as they push for their first finals berth.

Chappy’s chance to fire?

After a quiet patch of form in recent weeks, the former-Geelong great in Paul Chapman will be looking for a big game ahead of a potential finals campaign with his new side.

‘Chappy’ has obliterated the Suns since their inception, averaging 28.7 disposals and two goals a game in his three matches played against the AFL’s second newest side.

The 32-year-old is a proven big-game performer, and the scene is set for the 268-game superstar this Saturday afternoon to put in a performance to re-ignite his season in the red and black.