The Bombers midfield is focusing on improving their work around the stoppages in the build up to the game against Melbourne.
The Gold Coast edged the Dons (37-25) in the clearances in the season opener.
On Saturday, the Bombers meet a Demons outfit fresh from a two point win over GWS in which ball winners Jack Viney, Nathan Jones, Clayton Oliver and Bernie Vince played leading roles.
“A lot of our work this week will be about competing inside against some of their old and young bulls,” Line Coach Guy McKenna said.
“They’ve got some fantastic players that certainly know their stoppage craft really well.
“They certainly don’t mind putting skin on skin in and around the stoppages that’s for sure.”
In his first game for Essendon, Matthew Leuenberger outpointed his Suns opponent (32-24) in the ruck but the side was unable to take full advantage losing the stoppages (20-13) and the centre clearances (17-12).
McKenna expects the synergy within the Essendon midfield to improve in the coming weeks.
“There was certainly a bit of a disconnect there if you like,” McKenna said.
“He got his hand to the ball – he actually rucked really well.
“We couldn’t want anymore from ‘Leuey’ but certainly there was a disconnect between him and our midfielders.
“You understand that given he hasn’t had a lot of training with our boys.”
