John Worsfold isn’t buying into talk of a ‘mini-final’ against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, but the Bombers Coach knows there is little room for error if the Dons are to qualify for September.

Essendon is in eighth spot on the ladder ahead of the Sunday’s game against the tenth placed Bulldogs.

Just one game separates fifth from 11^th with five home and away games remaining.

The Bombers enter the clash against the Bulldogs on the back of three straight wins – their best run of form since 2014 – but Worsfold knows that form needs to continue.

“We know after losing to Brisbane – that was our margin for error gone,” he said.

“We don’t have a lot to play with now so every week is really critical that we play our best.

“Consistent good performances will give us our best chance of actually making the finals.”

The reigning premiers have won their last two games including a 54-point win over Gold Coast last week.

“They’ve had some injuries and some ins and outs again this year, but still their best footy looks really exciting,” Worsfold said.

“The names of their team sheet are going to be awesome going into the game this week.

“We have no doubt we’re going to have to be at our absolute best to be able to take the Bulldogs on.”

Mark Baguley will play his 100^th game on Sunday, while Cale Hooker will reach game 150.

Hooker booted five goals against North Melbourne last Saturday to lead the side to victory.

Worsfold said the byplay between the Bombers forward and his Kangaroos opponent Daniel Nielson during the last quarter didn’t concern him.

“It’s a fine line isn’t it … people are screaming out for characters in the game and if anyone starts to show any sort of character they get shouted down and then people say ‘why don’t we have any characters in the game’,” he said.

“You can’t win.

“I’ve got no doubt Cale had a few of those moments as a young player coming through where some of the big names he lined up on showed him no remorse at all.”