Matthew Knights is confident Jobe Watson will play on Saturday night despite media reports that the skipper will miss with a calf injury sustained over the weekend.

“We are planning for Jobe to play,” Knights said.
“He is scheduled to train this morning so we think he will play.
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“He’ll be looking to lead the club against the Kangaroos and I’m sure he wants to be out there on Saturday evening.”

Knights said last Saturday night’s performance against the Eagles was unacceptable and that the side would be looking to rectify it this week.

“We have to come and play better football this week and we’ll find out this Saturday night,” Knights said.

“I’m here to work with my players and allow them to do their best on Saturday evening.

“The proof will be in what happens on Saturday night, not in predictions or statements. We’ll just see what goes on Saturday evening.”

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Despite receiving criticism for the large number of players he has fielded this season, Knights said he will continue to give young players opportunities while looking to establish Essendon’s best 22.

The coach said he didn’t expect many changes this week despite the poor showing against West Coast with the squad to be finalised after today’s training.

“We have our main session today and we’ll have a good hit-out, with selection post that,” Knights said.

“I wouldn’t have thought there would be heaps of changes for this week.”
In this week's poll we tackle one of the big issues facing the Bombers: What song would most pump up the Bombers pre-game?
We have selected five choices from a ranges of eras and want to know which song the fans think will have the team most primed for a game?
To vote in this week's poll: 'What song would most pump up the Bombers?' click here.