John Worsold is encouraging his players to embrace the hype and soak in the build up to Saturday night’s Dreamtime at the ‘G blockbuster against Richmond.

Worsfold said the players learnt a lot from playing on ANZAC Day and would look to implement that in their preparation for the Tigers. 

“Dreamtime at the ‘G is another really significant game for the footy community so we are looking forward to that,” he said.

“Every opportunity to play in front of big crowds is always great and feeling the tension and excitement of it.

“We had a lot of players playing in their first ANZAC Day game and probably didn’t embrace the excitement of it, they tried to stay calm and it will be interesting to see what they have learnt from that.

“That’s part of being involved in special games, the biggest special game is the grand final but Dreamtime at the ‘G is a very special game. We want to really embrace the opportunity and represent our club proudly.”

The Bombers struggled early on against Collingwood in the ANZAC Day game, trailing by 74 points with the game all but over by half time.

Worsfold said that the players needed to be fully aware during the build up to stop that from happening again in front of what is expected to be a bumper crowd.

“You can’t get the players to play a different way for the sake of a first quarter start,” he said.

“It’s really just being switched on and enjoying running out onto the ground and soaking up the excitement of it all.”

Mathew Stokes is an unlikely starter but Courtenay Dempsey is racing to prove his fitness for the game.

“I’ve got no doubt that this is a really significant game for them (indigenous players), they are very proud of it and it does mean a lot to them,” Worsfold said.

Rookie Jake Long is among those pushing for senior elevation and selection. The Bombers coach said the occasion would not be a factor in picking the team.

“We haven’t even started to think about selection yet, but we do have a rookie upgrade spot available,” Worsfold said.

“If they are ready to debut I’d pick them, it wouldn’t be around whether it was a big game or not but they have to earn the spot.

“Jake’s form's been pretty good, but there is some other players in really good form as well.”

In his tenth match at the helm of the Bombers, Worsfold will join the 500-club on Saturday night, taking part in his 500th match as a player and senior coach.

He is just the 18th person in AFL/VFL history to achieve the mark after 209 games playing, and 281 as coach of West Coast.

“I haven’t been involved with a view to achieve any milestones. I’ve been lucky to be involved this long and I’m still loving it,” he said.