Hille back for Friday's blockbuster

Great team! Good to see Pris and Houli still in - I must admit, I haven't backed Bachar but his disposal was very good. I knew Zaharakis and/or Colyer would move up to replace Licca. Its just great to see Zaka get a chance in the midfield, his 26 touches last week were pivotal. Well done Knighta on the best 22, and good luck dons!

- Brendan Farrugia (posted 29/07/2010 4:41:38 PM)

Excellent! Just what I supposed and thought. Now for tomorrow night's big match. Will be listening from start to finish, no matter what happens. Best of luck to Pris and Sammy Lonergan in their 50th games. Let's make it a memorable Knight generally, team! Go Bombers...to upset another side higher up on the ladder for the 2nd week running! :)

- Natha Sao-Mafiti (posted 29/07/2010 4:42:02 PM)

No defense... hope all the Slattery haters are happy with this

- Daniel Grbac (posted 29/07/2010 4:42:11 PM)

Really happy with the changes! Go the Bombers!

- Joseph Attard (posted 29/07/2010 4:46:34 PM)

YOU LITTLE RIPPER KNIGHTA. LOOKS LIKE YOU ATRTING TO LEARN MATE! NOW JUST GET MYERS BACK IN THE TEAM.

- BOB DAVIES (posted 29/07/2010 4:50:40 PM)

Daniel, I somewhat agree with your disappointment. Slattery is not pretty, but he does shut down players. Hocking doesn't need to be back there at the moment. However, McVeigh did well on Milne last time, and Dempsey's defence last week was second to none. EI, is Slattery playing VFL this week?

- Brendan Farrugia (posted 29/07/2010 4:50:45 PM)

I like it! Only thing i would have done different is brought in Atkinson on the back flank, pushed Reimers to the forward flank and Stanton omit. Otherwise, doesnt get much better at this stage! Go Bombers!!

- Chris Litchfield (posted 29/07/2010 4:50:56 PM)

Scratch that, Insider. Mustn't have been listening to the last part of the video.

- Brendan Farrugia (posted 29/07/2010 4:52:19 PM)

I am fairly happy with the team selection this week, good that Houli has been given another go. I just hope that big Hille has completely recovered from his hamstring injury, and is not too underdone.

- Gordon Moss snr (posted 29/07/2010 4:52:22 PM)

For all of Slattery's shortcomings, it will be interesting to see who plays on Milne?! Nice to see some relative 'stability' in the side. All the top sides only have 0,1 or 2 changes per week.

- Daisy Graham (posted 29/07/2010 4:53:40 PM)

Every senior listed player with a family name starting with 'H' - good effort Dons! We will miss H. Slattery though.

- Kris Bayne (posted 29/07/2010 4:54:57 PM)

This is a great team selection, both in terms of stability and cattle. Now, we must see them put in an effort and really play for the jumper and some respect. Go boys!

- Jon Moody (posted 29/07/2010 4:59:02 PM)

good luck to david hille disappointed not to see melksham and lovett-murray in interesting to see how we'll go since Jetta was pivotal in our win against them last time benny howlett and colyer keep improving so keep it up:) is there really any room for neagle with hille back in??

- Ben Benson (posted 29/07/2010 4:59:45 PM)

Brendan, we are awaiting the final Bendigo line-up, should be up within the next hour or so.

- Essendon Insider (posted 29/07/2010 5:00:07 PM)

Welcome back David.Glad to see minimal changes.Well done to Lonergan and Prismall on your 50th games,hope you can celebrate with a win.Go Bombers.

- Cheryl Spivey (posted 29/07/2010 5:01:07 PM)

very happy with the squad! longergan's inclusion isn't really justified would prefer melksham, atkinson or lovett murray in the squad but good work knights ... you finally got it together

- amir fahmi (posted 29/07/2010 5:04:56 PM)

well done,would have liked to see melksham in stead of lonergan but thats just getting picky!

- nicholas pascoe (posted 29/07/2010 5:05:48 PM)

I believe the right choices were made here though I would have chosen Jarrod Atkinson or Jake Melksham to come into the team over Sam Lonergan. Though his recent performances have been promising so I'm not unhappy with his inclusion. Good to see only the 2 changes.

- Andrew Bearpark (posted 29/07/2010 5:05:50 PM)

Seems to me a very sensible team selection, given what we have available. Contrary to the many Slattery detractors, I would have liked to see him on Milne, but Knights said he is not quite right. The way Slattery usually plays (100%) any niggling doubts about his fitness needs to disqualify him. I am however looking forward to Hardingham showing us that his debut was not just a “one game wonder.” And please don’t carry on about Hille as if he is a given for a top game; many others coming back from injury needed a couple of games to hit their strap again. Good Luck to all .

- Klaus Erbgut (posted 29/07/2010 5:11:24 PM)

Hey, where's the team? They still only have last weeks team for the match against the roos in the other article.

- Adriano Soldaini (posted 29/07/2010 5:25:09 PM)

Finaly we have a team that goes someway to make me happy. Kept in the kids and left out the so,so's. Well its a start but maybe to late to save any skins. Why our friend didnt do this last year beats me. Anyway good luck Matthew, Daniel forget him.

- Neville Brooker (posted 29/07/2010 5:29:03 PM)

Great to have Hille back we are a lot better team with two ruckmen and the pressure of Paddy.On the subject of ruckmen would love to see Paddy get a bit of a swagger happening pump himself up he is one of our most valuable players i dont think he realises how good he is want him to look like he owns the field.Just my thoughts.

- sheryl laird (posted 29/07/2010 5:34:40 PM)

good team for tomorrow night bombers great to have hille back u r a champ good luck

- Steven Knapman (posted 29/07/2010 5:57:18 PM)

Great to see Hille back to help Paddy out! GO DONS!

- John Blore (posted 29/07/2010 6:22:01 PM)

Whats happening with Lovett Murray..in best two weeks then dropped to VFL(gastro during the week) but still in VFL this week.

- Shane Martin (posted 29/07/2010 6:28:19 PM)

Daniel Grbac what are you on about mate???? This is the same defensive lineup as the last time we played St Kilda and we went well. H.Slattery wasn't playing then and we lost Hooker early in the match and no Pears. Slattery's days at EFC must be numbered. Great selections and about time but lets see how we go on Friday night. Still not convinced yet taht we have the goods!!!!

- Harry Calaghan (posted 29/07/2010 6:28:31 PM)

how much more perseverance EFC is going to give to stants?it's so clear that he needs to find his form in the vfl. there are few players that are already listed in the final 22 can do stants job, put some more speed in the team like atkinson or at least shutdown player like slatts!

- mark manginsay (posted 29/07/2010 6:28:50 PM)

Pretty good team, thought Jetta might miss, NLM not desperate enough, Lonergan is a much better selection than Melksham who is too immature for this current game pressure and deserves a long rest. I hope Knighta plays Lonergan in the centre and I am glad he has put Hurley in Hooker's spot as per my suggestion, Hooker has not performed well in that role for sometime and may be dropped IMO if he doesn't step up this week. He may be better having a run up forward, never know until you try aka Hardingham! Go Bombers!!

- JAN STOTT (posted 29/07/2010 6:48:51 PM)

honestly good team, but why woud you put houli in midfield and reimers as defender he kicked 3 goals last week and your puting him defender, but anyways good luck and hope we can make it 3 in a row against the santos!!!!

- Andy Toma (posted 29/07/2010 6:53:47 PM)

Essendon Insider how many people entered in the Best 22 team selection? The reason I ask is that Brent Prismall did not make it and considering all the outrage and fuss about his recent omission does make you wonder how many people really want him in the side? Or is it because of lack of submissions perhaps? Love to know the numbers.

- JAN STOTT (posted 29/07/2010 6:55:06 PM)

Hooray for Hille! Looking forward to seeing Essendon's brawniest bloke impose himself on the game tomorrow night.

- jennifer herrald (posted 29/07/2010 7:08:09 PM)

HA HA LOVETT-MURRAY OUT DATS A JOKE HIS A VERY VERY IMPORTANT PLAYER THAT SHOULD PLAY THIS WEEK IF WE WERE ANY HOPE OF WINING

- jordan jordan (posted 29/07/2010 7:25:29 PM)

What do you mean no defence? We have Stanton who can play down back!

- Tom Smith (posted 29/07/2010 7:34:08 PM)

Still not the best 22 NLM?? Aitchison

- Craig Wickson (posted 29/07/2010 8:19:31 PM)

Good selection this week.If we go down,it won't be because of selection.Well done knights.I'm tipping our boys will give them a real fight!May even win!

- Mark Elze (posted 29/07/2010 8:27:59 PM)

to all the H Slattery supporters, I am sure he is a great person and gives his all week in week out, the reality is, that he may be able to negate small forwards to some degree, but if Milne and Slattery were in a race for the ball 20 meters out from goal. My heart and yours is in our mouth. 8 or 9 times out of 10 Milne wins.

- Jacob bonney (posted 29/07/2010 8:35:36 PM)

Great to have Hille in, though I would have thought that we would bring in another defender in NLM or Myers rather than a small forward in Lonergan. We desperately need to work on our defence as we leak too many goals as shown again last week.

- Noel Spiteri (posted 29/07/2010 8:36:33 PM)

Would have also liked to see Stanton replaced by Atkinson in the midfield. Cannot understand his continual automatic selection.

- Noel Spiteri (posted 29/07/2010 8:39:34 PM)

Seems to me a very sensible team selection, given what we have available. Contrary to the many Slattery detractors, I would have liked to see him on Milne, but Knights said he is not quite right. The way Slattery usually plays (100%) any niggling doubts about his fitness needs to disqualify him. I am however looking forward to Hardingham showing us that his debut was not just a “one game wonder.” And please don’t carry on about Hille as if he is a given for a top game; many others coming back from injury needed a couple of games to hit their strap again. Good Luck to all .

- Klaus Erbgut (posted 29/07/2010 8:43:06 PM)

Dont want to be negative but I thought we would try to bring a bit more pace in the side Eg. Atkinson as we have beaten the Saints the last 2 times we have played them and the reason why is that we have worried them with our pace and kick ball movement. Good to have Hilly back though!

- Andrew Cichello (posted 29/07/2010 9:26:29 PM)

Good to see Pris, Houli and Howlett keep there spots. Give them a few weeks to prove themself!

- Andrew Cichello (posted 29/07/2010 9:27:46 PM)

good to see welsh and slattery didnt get a game they dont offer anything next will be stanton hope the boys turn up to play this week

- adam daly (posted 29/07/2010 9:28:50 PM)

can someone help me in respect to why atkinson is not playing?

- Joe Tullio (posted 29/07/2010 9:46:54 PM)

NOTE: SINCE HARDINGHAM'S DEBUT, HAVEN'T HEARD ANYONE BRING UP ESSENDON'S PREFERENCE OVER MICHAEL BARLOW. COINCIDENCE? I THINK NOT. KEEP IT UP KYLE!

- Brendan Farrugia (posted 29/07/2010 9:55:18 PM)

Welcome back David and good luck tomorrow night. A fantastic line-up, coach! Well done, selection committee. Go Dons, show us what you can do! Angie

- Angeline Baron (posted 29/07/2010 9:57:06 PM)

EI, was Dyson's fitness level not up to scratch? Does he look like getting a game in the following weeks? I'd really like to see his pace and long kicks put to good use. Can you please give any updates? He is my favourite player. Simon McCracken.

- Angeline Baron (posted 29/07/2010 10:01:42 PM)

Dyson, Slattery, NLM, Atkinson, Myers, Melksham, Jetta, Winderlich, Pears, Welsh all out but still a good team out on the park. My point is we're finally getting some depth at the club.

- Luke Smith (posted 29/07/2010 11:33:03 PM)

when will atkinson get back into the team, we do need him with his skill . pace , he's been playing well in the TWO's was doing his job well in the snrs , but was droppped still knowone knows why , he be in my best 22 easy.

- Darren Pigott (posted 30/07/2010 1:20:10 AM)

GO THE MIGHTY BOMBERS!!!!!!!!

- Laloua Simmons (posted 30/07/2010 6:11:25 AM)

My son is nagging to go to the footy tonight, after saying he would never go again after watching us against the Eagles!..The reason, he wants to se "Bomber Hardingham!"..To me that is why we love our footy!

- Alan McCready (posted 30/07/2010 7:08:55 AM)

The team always looks better with Hille in it. I'm glad Hardingham didn't get dropped after 1 week and a great debut like T Slattery did. Happy to see Welsh wasn't rushed back in because of PAST performances and not current form, this is getting close to our best 22 now.

- Dean Horton (posted 30/07/2010 9:01:02 AM)

Come on Bombers!! I hope you can go 3 for 3 against the saints!! Hardingham has got to have caused an eyebrow raise in St Kilda head office so they will put someone decent on him to slow him down. I heard he is a work horse...so if he canr un them into the ground whilst getting lots of touches would be perfect!! Where is Margliani?? Not in the 2's either...

- Hardip Bassi (posted 30/07/2010 9:40:05 AM)

Maybe Neville the kids were not ready last year.Jacob,is Rioli not quick.Look what Slattery did to him.Hille I know can go only one way,thats 100%.Good luck for toinght.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 30/07/2010 10:16:04 AM)

I liked Jan Stotts point about NLM not being desperate enough for the ball. Remember when Jason Johnson, mercuri, Hird etc would die for the football - We need to get that back as our core standard. I think the rest will happen from there - Hardinham set the tone last week, that was the most aggressive display I have seen by a bomber for 9 years. Does knights think like this though????

- Alan Pratt (posted 30/07/2010 10:31:25 AM)

Brendan,I think you can understand the questioning of drafting Hardingham over Barlow. At the time Barlow was running around every week while Hardingham was running around with bendigo, with no real sign of breaking into the top 22. There is no coincidence that freo has dropped off since the Barlow injury, which shows his quality. The real test now for Hardingham is to be consistent each week, which comes with opportunty of playing, which I hope he does keep his spot.

- Gerard Smith (posted 30/07/2010 10:53:00 AM)

we r realy missing h.slattery. The pressure on poor hardingham b4 the game knowing that we picked him and not barlow maybe was a revelation. He plays like a seasoned pro. We need some high flyers in the forward line to boost morale and get the crowd roaring once again!!!! well done Bomber Hardingham!

- Nathan Anttila (posted 30/07/2010 11:19:28 AM)

Well done EFC (and MK - did I say that?). All I want to see is 100% effort and I won't care about the result if that occurs.

- Peter Podgornik (posted 30/07/2010 12:18:49 PM)

Thanks Alan, glad you agree, I think we have lacked that, but last week it was all systems go, this is what I told Watson prior to last week's game (see my post below) and I hope he read it because he seemed to wake up and get stuck in BOG and all honours to him! I had a coach who used to say if you can't match a side with skill you can still win if you are desperate enough! 100% physical effort, for the whole game, just don't stop till you drop!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 12:43:07 PM)

Pt2 "you really need to dig deep Jobe, show us your leadership and bust your gut until you're EXHAUSTED! Really Yes! Until I see that I won't be satisfied that you are setting an example on field. Lonergan, Colyer, Winders, Howlett, Stanton & Neagle all showed a lot more heart & aggro than you did on Saturday. In general some of our guys have fabulous muscled up bodies, one thing I know they didn't get that way by using their body on the field! No good building those muscles just so you can pose around! Get into it and hurry up about it boys!" 20/7/2010 Harsh but constructive & necessary IMO. Let's go tonight Bombers!!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 12:50:39 PM)

Good luck against the Saints tonight. I will be watching the game on TV because i am a non-match member and i don't like Etihad stadium. Our home ground should be the 'G.

- Mark Rushby (posted 30/07/2010 1:09:39 PM)

Di, kids are always ready. U also must forget 20, along with a few others. They had their turn and now my kids will be ready. Have some more over here if insider wants a list especially at West Perth.Mature age playing against men.

- Neville Brooker (posted 30/07/2010 1:10:51 PM)

I think its clear Hocking is not a defender hes a midfielder. Coach needs to choose Hocking or Lonergan I like them both but they are same player. So replace one of them with Atkinson. Pace and skill what more do you want!

- Anthony Montalto (posted 30/07/2010 1:30:27 PM)

Good to see Hille back. Lonergan gets another chance. Why? Playing against the Saints will probably lift the players, as our previous games have shown. I expect a good game - Goooooooo Bombers!!!!

- Victor Tallis (posted 30/07/2010 2:07:53 PM)

Neville & Di, I am quite happy to wait for our kids to mature at Bendigo and for others to go back to Bendigo and learn their craft as Knighta says. Look at the results this philosophy has provided us for the future, lots of talent there. Some are critizing Knights for not bringing in this one and that one, well he seems to have that recipe timed just right in my opinion. When they come in they are ready to play! How many young kids have been ruined by coming in too early at other clubs in the past, Go Knighta, Go Bombers !!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 2:13:08 PM)

that good that hille is back for us I hope the boys win tonight

- Ashleigh Lester (posted 30/07/2010 2:49:08 PM)

ALL THE BEST AGAINST THE SAINTS TONIGHT BOMBERS. WELCOME BACK HILLE. GO GO GO DONS

- Romilda Jones (posted 30/07/2010 2:55:28 PM)

Great games by Watson, Dempsey, Hurley, Hardingham & more. I can't wait to see the game tonight the suspense is killing me, put up the fight of your lives tonight, remember like you did against Hawthorn R22. Good luck to Hille, Lonergan's 50 and our captain Watson to put in an encore performance! Go Bombers!!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 3:15:36 PM)

Jan Stott, are you serious about Jobe? You name 6 other players who, according to you, showed more "heart & aggro" last week than Watson. I'm utterly staggered anyone with a pair of eyes could make such an assessment! The fact is he played injured, knocked up getting the footy, WILLED the team over the line, and was awarded maximum votes by both coaches as undisputed BOG! If such an example of leadership and character can't satisfy you, then YOU have the problem Jan, not Jobe...

- Dennis Green (posted 30/07/2010 3:43:58 PM)

Great to see the new "H" hold his place after last weeks great 1st game. I doubt if there is another team runing around with 7 of their 22 having a surname begining with the letter "H". Pitty No5 isn't still out their. Go Bombers..........

- JOHN WHITFORD (posted 30/07/2010 3:56:28 PM)

Totally agree anthony,hocking and lonergan should be fighting for the one spot,and heath is slightly infront.respect their guts and grit, but only room for one.

- nicholas pascoe (posted 30/07/2010 4:27:46 PM)

When the Essendon Insider is over his/her Monfries 'man-crush' - perhaps you can start posting my comments sweetheart!

- Ned Hawkins (posted 30/07/2010 4:46:28 PM)

In the words of the infamous Big Kev, "I'm excited!" Haven't heard any of the media football folk claim that Essendon has much chance of winning this match but, "Where there's a Hille, there's a way". Go for broke, Bombers!

- jennifer herrald (posted 30/07/2010 5:01:13 PM)

Wonder which Essendon player drew the short straw and will be served up like a sitting duck to the supporters on LIVE-Chat tonight?

- jennifer herrald (posted 30/07/2010 5:11:02 PM)

Alot to look forward to tonight considering we cant make the finals. Not expecting much from Hille, just hope we take them on and not let them shut us down. Whoever takes Reiwoldt has the most important job for the night he looked ready to explode last week. Great to see most suppoters being supportive and enthusiastic again. looking forward to see whether Hardingham and particularly reimers can play well again. good luck bombers. just have a crak

- Simon Taylor (posted 30/07/2010 5:29:51 PM)

Dennis Green, I thought I explained my post properly but you DID NOT read it, check the facts before you have a go!! My post Pt2 referred to Watson's game against the Eagles NOT last week. Yes, he was not giving 100% in my opinion BUT last week against North Melbourne he did! His effort last week did satisfy me greatly but it didn't before, just shows you what Watson CAN do when he puts his mind to it. As our captain he needed to do that to set the example for the team to follow. Actions not words!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 5:49:10 PM)

why does everyone keep bagging stanton..his position in the side should never come under qeustion. when his on his game he kills the opposition. yeh his been very inconsistant this year but his a better player than atkinson and whoever else people keep saying to bring in.

- Anthony Zeniou (posted 30/07/2010 6:13:12 PM)

I like Stanton Anthony, he has been out of sorts at times, trying hard but making blues, frustration his problem. I cut him some slack as he has been used with McVeigh to plug holes and strengthen areas all over the ground. He looks lost sometimes but he has to dig deep like Watson and make his impact. He has a difficult role changing positions during the game, but handling it fairly well. Go Brent!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 7:42:35 PM)

I like Stanton Anthony, he has been out of sorts at times, trying hard but making blues, frustration his problem. I cut him some slack as he has been used with McVeigh to plug holes and strengthen areas all over the ground. He looks lost sometimes but he has to dig deep like Watson and make his impact. He has a difficult role changing positions during the game, but handling it fairly well. Go Brent!

- JAN STOTT (posted 30/07/2010 7:46:28 PM)

Hille, was great, tonight.....we surely missed him, whilst he was out.

- Nick Tomaras (posted 30/07/2010 10:43:26 PM)

send them over Neville.Very true with your post about the kids Jan.Hope you enjoyed the game tonight.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 31/07/2010 12:25:51 AM)

Well said Anthony about Stanton, he has a go each week. To John, Mark, Chris L, Noel & Adam, have a good look, excellent again tonight. And Jan, can't believe your comments about Jobe, gives 100% every week! Rob Box.

- Robert Box (posted 31/07/2010 1:17:12 AM)

Read that post over & over Jan, and no, you did NOT explain it at all - have another read of your OWN WORDS!

- Dennis Green (posted 31/07/2010 9:04:35 AM)

Jan I read you post as well.I noted the date 20/7 which would have meant you were talking about the west coast game not the north game.They all played badly that week,including Watson.Some people just dont get it.Diane

- Diane Trask (posted 31/07/2010 11:33:50 AM)

Robert, correct about Brent Stanton. It's worth noting opposition clubs rate him highly enough to want to curb his influence with a hard tag most weeks. Clearly he'd become a little frustrated. A very smart move to throw him back as a springboard from defence. Without that stopper hanging off him, he's had the time & space (and the class) to set up repeated attacks from behind the ball...

- Dennis Green (posted 31/07/2010 2:16:33 PM)

Pt2 Why is is that people can't stand any criticism of Watson he is not perfect! he needs it at times, if he constantly hears how wonderful he is, he won't strive to do better, come on that is logical. Watson is not untouchable because he is our captain. I praise him when I think he has put in his all, as he should, ala last week. The massive praise he received for the North game just proves my point that he can perform at a higher level and that he wasn't! Good Bye! And Dennis if you read posts properly you would have noted my continued support for Stanton - trying his heart out!

- JAN STOTT (posted 31/07/2010 4:10:02 PM)

Sorry if you feel offended Jan. Yeah, see your continued support for Stants. Pity others cannot for some reason. A classy footballer...

- Dennis Green (posted 1/08/2010 12:33:41 PM)

Thanks Di for your sensible comment. Dennis & Robert re read all my posts in context including the one prior to it addressed to Alan. Referring to EAGLES game!!! If you think Watson gives 100% each week and others don't you are sadly misguided, he himself has admitted he had to re-assess his attitude a few years ago, he can have a 'I think I have done enough' mindset. Like Joel said about Wayne Carey. Players can rest on their laurels at times, reading too much hype, treat em mean, keep em keen!!!

- JAN STOTT (posted 1/08/2010 3:41:56 PM)

Jan, I have never suggested that other Essendon players don't give 100%, Watson is among our best most weeks, surely he can have a lesser game occasionally. I have never bagged a Bomber in over 60 years of support! Rob Box

- Robert Box (posted 1/08/2010 10:55:32 PM)

Neither have I Rob, I admire your support. But I think you can see at times some players and Jobe is not exempt, could give more. I don't agree with the claims of some people here (not you) that Watson is carrying the whole midfield and at times the whole team, it is rubbish, he takes his foot off the accelerator at times just like everyone else. During these tough times he cannot afford to he has to set the example.

- JAN STOTT (posted 2/08/2010 6:53:42 PM)