If you wanted a measure of where the Bombers are at in 2008, then this week’s match against the reigning Premiers presents the perfect occasion.

Essendon will be determined to make the most of the opportunity to test its skills against the benchmark of the competition this Sunday in what is shaping as the match of the Round.

After surprising football experts last week with an exciting 55-point victory against North Melbourne, who knows what the Bombers can cook up this week. Although the win has provided a much needed confidence boost for the youthful Essendon list, the team from Windy Hill are wary of not getting ahead of themselves.

Matthew Lloyd will have extra responsibility this week and has promised to stand up and lead the Bombers from the front in the absence of Scott Lucas who tore a ligament in his knee last week and will miss up to three months of football.

Lloyd will have the support of speedsters Leroy Jetta and Alwyn Davey and the strong marking Adam McPhee and Nathan Lovett-Murray up forward but the absence of Lucas will leave a hole in the Bombers armour and all forwards will need to be on song against a solid Geelong backline.

Tom Harley and Matthew Scarlett head up a star-studded defensive unit for the Cats and they will be typically determined to shut down the Bombers forwards and drive the ball back into their attacking 50m.

A key feature of the match will be the contest in the centre of the ground. Geelong are renowned for their swift and efficient ball movement through the corridor but the Bombers have improved their skills and defensive pressure over the break and showed on Monday that the hard work should pay dividends this year.

Essendon dominated the second half of Monday's match - thanks to their evasive ability and tackling pressure - and the new-look midfield damaged the opposition by running them ragged. If the Bombers can use their leg speed to their advantage again this week, they might achieve what so many teams could not and put pressure on Geelong’s midfield by finding space to run and create opportunities.
 

The possible return of the lightening quick Jason Winderlich - who has been named on an extended interchange list - could add to the Bombers running stocks.

Mark McVeigh promised his teammates at last year’s Crichton Medal that he would ensure the courage and spirit of James Hird would continue at the Bombers in his absence, and he was true to his word on Monday. McVeigh put in an inspirational 31-possession performance and led his team from the front as he worked hard to create opportunities around clearances. This week he will need to deliver a similar game, as will prolific baller winner Jobe Watson, in order to put the heat on the opposition.

The David Hille and Jason Laycock ruck combination was another highlight of last weekend’s match. Hille, in particular, worked relentlessly at hit-outs to give his teammates first use of the ball but also presented across other areas of the ground. With Geelong likely to be without Brad Ottens again this week, the ruck looks to be an area where the Bombers hold a clear advantage.

Essendon fans are reminded that this Sunday's match against Geelong is a fully ticketed match and seats will need to be purchased prior to the match. For further information please contact Ticketmaster.