As per ususal it will be about finding out where some players are at in terms of preperation and position. Will the re-modelled Jobe Watson stand up and have the impact we know he can? Jason Winderlich has had a fantastic pre-season - will he finally realise his potential?
Is Joel Reynolds finally ready to deliver on his promise? Is Kepler Bradley the answer at centre half back? Not all these questions will be answered in one pre-season game, but we might just get some clues as to the likely outcome.
It will of course be Matthew Lloyd's first official fixture as captain of the team. He has worked hard with the group over the off-season and will want to put his stamp on the team as its new leader. Nobody is going to judge him on one result, but he like all of us will want to see some spark among the group.
Essendon fans will be excited by the prosepct of seeing the first two draft selections from last year make their debut. Both have been impressive, particularly Dempsey who moves very well and has explosive speed. They will only see limited game time but it will be useful experience for them.
Brisbane will be hard work despite a number of key players missing. Jonathon Brown won't be there and neither will Nigel Lappin, Chris Scott, Brad Scott or Justin Leppitsch. But there will be Michael Voss, Luke Power and Simon Black so Essendon will have its hands full.
It is only an NAB Cup fixture but Bomber fans would surely take some joy in knocking Brisbane out of the competition.
