Tonight's match between the Bombers and Port Adelaide at Colonial Stadium should be a very tight contest given Port's excellent finish to season 2000 and solid start to season 2001. The Bombers showed they are a rejuvinated side against the Kangaroos last weekend and will want to maintain that form. There look to be some great contests all over the ground and one Essendon player who will know there is a game on the defender who stands star Port Adelaide forward Warren Tredrea. Youngster Aaron Henneman did it in the Ansett Cup and was soundly beaten. The question is - Will Sheeds give him a second chance?
Aaron Henneman v Warren Tredrea
Aaron Henneman would be the first to admit he was soundly beaten by Warren Tredrea in the recent Ansett Cup clash and he will be very keen to prove he is up to handling quality forwards. Kevin Sheedy might just give Henneman the chance to do that by giving the youngster another crack this weekend. Sheeds has shown great faith in Henneman and he is likely to get the job again despite their most recent encounter. Henneman will need to work very hard early with Tredrea a confidence player who can easily dominate a game.
Mark Johnson v Gavin Wanganeen
There is no love lost between these two and they are certain to line up on each other again tomorrow night. Johnson loves getting in the face of Wanganeen and he doesn't appreciate the attention so we can expect more of the same. Wanganeen is a sumpremely gifted footballer so Johnson will need to be tight to ensure he doesn't have an impact on the scoreboard. It will be a fantastic contest to watch with neither player giving an inch.
Sean Wellman v Chad Cornes
It might be unexpected but Wellman might just get the job on this boom youngster. Wellman is deceptively quick for his size and might be able to run Cornes around and putting his fitness to the test. Wellman is a superb defender who creates a lot of run from the half back line and he played an excellent game against the Kangaroos last Friday. Cornes is a very good mark but Wellman will make life tough for him. Youthful exuberance v experience - great to watch.
