The Bombers are coming off a 35-point win against Adelaide a fortnight ago to kick off their season and without any injuries have decided to make no changes to that side.
Essendon coach James Hird said the team was not underestimating the significance of Saturday night’s match.
“It is a huge game for us, we need to win our fair share of contested footy, get it forward and then keep it there,” Hird told Bomber TV.
”Our boys still have a lot to prove after a terrific win in Adelaide but we want to consolidate on that and keep playing a good brand of football.”
“We are expecting a big contest against a very fit Melbourne team coming out to play the best football they can.”
See the team below:
B: Baguley, Carlisle, Fletcher
HB: Goddard, Hooker, Stanton
C: Heppell, Watson, Davey
HF: Crameri, Hurley, Zahrakis
F: Kommer, Ryder, Melksham
R: Bellchambers, Hocking, Dempsey
Int: Merrett, Myers, Hibberd, Howlett
Emg: Hams, Hille, Kavanagh
