The line up
B – McKenna, Hurley, Saad
HB – Ambrose, Hooker, Baguley
C – McGrath, Goddard, Mutch
HF – Laverde, Stewart, McDonald-Tipungwuti
F – Smith, Daniher, Zaharakis
R – Bellchambers, Parish, Heppell
I/C – Stringer, Z. Merrett, Myers, McNiece
Emergencies – Ridley, Langford, Guelfi, McKernan
Read: Hawks make two changes to Round 7 team
What to expect
It has been a frustrating start to the season for Essendon supporters, with their side’s best able to match it with the top clubs but their worst form falling miserably short of satisfactory.
This fluctuating run of play has not happened from game to game, but rather within games where they will have consecutive quarters of brilliant offensive flair and then stagnant ball movement that lacks any potency.
The Bombers have won just seven quarters this season, the equal-second fewest of any side in the competition alongside Carlton, only Brisbane have won less with six.
Essendon won three of these quarters in their season opening win over Adelaide, while their other victory against Port Adelaide was brought about by an outstanding, five-goal first term, with the Power winning each quarter after that.
Only Carlton has been scored against more than Essendon in 2018, with opposition sides scoring an average of 98.3 points per game against John Worsfold’s side.
The Dons also rank 17th for the key statistical categories of inside 50s and clearances.
But despite, their lacklustre numbers in several areas, the Bombers are a dangerous side to come up against.
They have a bank of A-grade talent who, despite not having discovered their best form just yet this year, threaten to break apart a game any moment now.
Read: Match preview - Hawthorn v Essendon
Players to watch
Bombers midfielder Zach Merrett is an example of an A-grade talent who hasn’t quite his straps yet in 2018. After averaging just shy of 30 disposals in the previous two seasons, the 2017 All Australian wingman has gathered just 22 disposals per game this year. Although the 22-year old looks to be overcoming his slow start, with 29, 33 and 29-disposal efforts over the past three rounds.
Fellow 2017 All Australian Michael Hurley has backed up a career-best year with even better form, with a career-high 26.3 disposals. The defender leads the Bombers for average kicks (18.2 per game), marks (8.5) and rebound 50s (seven). The 27-year old is arguably the Bombers most important player with his sublime foot skills constantly setting up his side’s attacking plays from the back half. The Hawks will be looking to minimise the amount of times Hurley gets the ball in his hands.
