The Essendon VFL side is freshening up this weekend before launching in to the final seven home and away matches.

The Bombers face four sides outside the top eight after the bye, but encounter the reigning premiers, Footscray, twice. 

“It’s up to us now,” VFL Co-Head Coach Paul Corrigan said.

“Coming into finals, you want to test yourself against the best sides.

“So it’s up to us how we approach each game and how we play and it will determine our fate at the end of the year.” 

After completing a crucial two-week block against Port Melbourne and Williamstown with one win and one loss in the last fortnight, the VFL Dons are well poised for a finals berth. 

“To show that we can match it with the best and perform at a decent level, it will give us real confidence moving forward,” VFL Co-Head Coach Hayden Skipworth said.

Defender Alex Browne has been crucial to the VFL Dons’ success this season, playing every match since making his return from an ACL injury.

After being included on the extended bench last week, Corrigan said the 22-year-old is not far off an AFL recall.

“I think that Browne has been good in the last month, has really been putting that consistent block together,” Corrigan said. 

Tayte Pears continues to develop his game in the forward line in the VFL, looking increasingly threating at stages.

Pears has kicked 12 goals in his eight games.

“He’s not far away from putting in a solid four quarter performance,” Corrigan said. 

“He’s played all year in the forward line, and that’s the plan moving forward,” Skipworth said.

“We’re trying to add another string to his bow, and we always know he can go back, but if he can master playing forward it’s another way for him into the senior side.”