The Bombers have named an unchanged side for the first time this season following last week's impressive win over Geelong.
West Coast welcome back Jamie Cripps at the expense of Josh Hill.
A win for the Dons would see them keep pace with the sides in the eight while the Eagles will be looking to strengthen their position in the top four.
You can read Robert Shaw's match preview here.
The history
R15, 2016, West Coast Eagles 20.10 (130) d Essendon 7.10 (52) at Domain Stadium
R11, 2015, West Coast Eagles 14.12 (96) d Essendon 6.10 (46) at Domain Stadium
R21, 2014, Essendon 11.11 (77) d West Coast Eagles 11.8 (74) at Etihad Stadium
R20, 2013, West Coast Eagles 18.12 (120) d Essendon 9.13 (67) at Etihad Stadium
R14, 2013, Essendon 15.8 (98) d West Coast Eagles 13.13 (91) at Domain Stadium
The teams
Essendon
No change
B: Matt Dea, Michael Hurley, Mark Baguley
HB: James Kelly, Michael Hartley, David Zaharakis
C: Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett, Brendon Goddard
HF: James Stewart, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Conor McKenna
R: Matthew Leuenberger, Dyson Heppell, Orazio Fantasia
I: Andrew McGrath, Jobe Watson, Josh Green, David Myers
E: Tom Bellchambers, Jackson Merrett, Craig Bird
West Coast
In: Jamie Cripps
Out: Josh Hill
B: Brad Sheppard, Tom Barrass, Shannon Hurn
HB: Sam Butler, Jeremy McGovern, Elliot Yeo
C: Andrew Gaff, Matt Priddis, Chris Masten
HF: Dom Sheed, Jack Darling, Mark LeCras
F: Fraser McInnes, Josh J. Kennedy, Liam Duggan
R: Nathan Vardy, Sam Mitchell, Luke Shuey
I: Jack Redden, Sharrod Wellingham, Jamie Cripps, Kurt Mutimer
E: Drew Petrie, Jackson Nelson, Josh Hill
Follow the match as it unfolds on the Essendon App.
Key notes
- Essendon has won 10 of the 13 games it has played against West Coast at Etihad Stadium.
- Michael Hurley is averaging 24 possessions and nine marks over the last five games. If Michael Hartley can do the job on Josh Kennedy, it allows Hurley to set up the play from defence.
- Andrew Gaff has been one of the best ball winners this season. Look for Travis Colyer to spend time on the Eagles accumulator and use his speed when the Dons win back possession.
- Prior to the start of the round West Coast was the number one ranked contested marking side in the competition. Jeremy McGovern, Josh Kennedy and Elliot Yeo are their key pillars. Essendon will need to ensure it honours the lead-up target when delivering the ball into its forward line, as McGovern and Yeo will welcome the high balls. In defence, look for Matt Dea and Michael Hurley to assist Michael Hartley when the ball is delivered to Josh Kennedy.
