Essendon is unified and well prepared for its Friday night clash with North Melbourne, according to midfielder Brent Stanton.

The Bombers have won three of their six games so far and sit in 11^th position on the ladder.

“There is no bigger game for us than this week,” Stanton said.

“The final last year against North Melbourne still hurts a little bit and we’ll be looking to redeem ourselves.”

The Essendon players have had the added distraction of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s appeal to contend with ahead of Friday’s game.

But Stanton said he and his teammates are remaining focused on beating the Kangaroos. 

“We’re looking forward to putting up a good performance for our supporters who have been fantastic throughout this whole thing,” he said.

“This group has grown so much in the last two and a half years.  It could galvanise this football club back to where it was 10-15 years ago.”

The players have endured ongoing speculation and media attention for more than two years.

But their support for each other and the coaches remains strong.

“The football staff, the coaching staff and the players are all in this together,” Stanton said.

“James (Hird) wouldn’t be coaching without the support of his playing group.  He is so excited about where this group can go and it infiltrates throughout the whole football team.

“His football knowledge and the way he bonds with people is a special attribute.  

“We look forward to each day – walking into an environment which we enjoy and to hopefully perform and win a premiership one day with him as head coach.” 

This is Essendon’s only Friday night home game of the season and Stanton wants to make it a night to remember for Bombers fans. 

“Our supporters have been fantastic and we want to give something back to them. 

“Hopefully we can pack it out with all Essendon supporters.  We really want to give back to our supporters - they’ve been fantastic. 

“It’s an exciting time for the football club.  Yes, there is stuff going on outside, but I think this football club can deliver an exciting brand of football and hopefully win a lot more games throughout the rest of the year.”