Development coach James Byrne said the Geelong VFL team played a very similar style of football to their AFL counterpart.
“They are a very hard, contested ball side who move the ball really well by foot,” Byrne said.
“Their ball movement is really strong and they play very similar to the AFL side which means we are expecting a hard contested game and a side that will take their opposition on.”
Essendon has won just two of their first seven matches this season including three losses by fewer than two goals.
“Obviously it has been unfortunate that we have lost a couple of games by a couple of kicks because we are playing well but probably not playing the Essendon way,” Byrne told essendonfc.com.au.
“We like to defend games and not have big scores kicked against us so that will be a big focus this week.”
“Hopefully we will be a bit better in defence because our ball movement and attacking is really good but hopefully we get the defensive side of our game right, that is the key.”
Geelong sits fourth on the ladder having lost just two of their first seven matches and are armed with a lethal midfield brigade led by captain Troy Selwood.
“Selwood’s experience from being an ex AFL player and being in the system for a while he is definitely one who you want to quell his influence,” Byrne said.
“They have a quality side and he is definitely one you put some work into but they have got numerous guys around the footy that can be damaging.”
The Bombers development coach urged all Essendon fans to get along to the club’s traditional home ground to cheer on the red and black on Saturday from 1pm.
“With the AFL side away in Sydney no doubt we will get a good crowd who will get a high quality game,” Byrne said.
“Obviously a few Geelong supporters will come up and watch the game so we are excited to be back at Windy Hill as it is the home of our side and hopefully we can put in a good showing and get a win.”
