Where do the goals come from?

Both clubs struggled to hit the scoreboard last time we met on ANZAC with only 15 goals being kicked between to the two sides. No player scored more than two goals on either side. Without power forward Travis Cloke, the Pies will rely on Jamie Elliott and Jesse White  to get the goals. Cale Hooker has been on fire for the Dons in recent weeks, kicking three goals in each of the last two games. Will he be able to replicate this form again, or will it be Daniher that will break out and kick a bag?

Will some speedy inclusions be the difference?

Our lack of speed throughout the ground has been well noted throughout the season. However, the inclusions of Shaun Edwards, Orazio Fantasia and Conor McKenna give us some good run through different parts of the ground. Will the youngsters zip around the ground be the difference on the day?

Burning the Pies

Scott Pendlebury has, if given too much space, an overwhelming ability to get the ball and punish the opposition. Nullifying his impact will be crucial if the Bombers are going to have a strong chance around the ground. Heath Hocking and Jake Melksham have both been used in a tagging role in the past but will it come down to these two to shut him down?

Battle of the Babies

Both sides have bled a number of young players throughout the year and this game will be no different. Essendon look forward to the return of Shaun Edwards and Kyle Langford as they join the other ‘Baby Bombers’ in Laverde, Gleeson, Fantasia and Daniher. Collingwood’s youth has also been firing of late, led by the likes of Darcy Moore, Adam Oxley and debutant Matthew Goodyear. Our boys have proven their ability to perform when called upon, will they able to be do it again?