Essendon selectors have named an unchanged line-up for this Saturday's blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG. Despite speculation star forward Mark Mercuri would miss, he was named on a half forward flank for the game. Steven Alessio has been named in the ruck after some excellent recent performances, relegating John Barnes to the bench. Gary Moorcroft, Danny Jacobs and Mark McVeigh have also been named on the bench. Mark Bolton, Jonathon Robran and Rob Forster-Knight have been named as emergencies. There look to be some excellent match-ups looming this Saturday.

Damien Peverill v Joel Bowden

Peverill has done a sensational job in his first three games of AFL football shutting down Wayne Schwass, Nathan Buckley and Ben Cousins. The most impressive aspect has been his ability to stop players and still find plenty of the football himself. Bowden is a very dangerous player for the Tigers with his ability to kick goals and find teammates by foot or hand making him one of Richmond's key playmakers. If Peverill gets the job and shuts him down, the Bombers will be in good shape.

James Hird v Duncan Kellaway

Kellaway is a remarkable competitior and he will thrive on the challenge of trying to shut down Hird. Like Hird, Kellaway can play small or tall so he is perfectly suited to playing on Hird. But Hird has been in sensational form over the past three weeks and Kellaway will have his hands full. He may be able to keep Hird quiet for periods - whether he can do it for four quarters will be the key.

Dustin Fletcher v Matthew Richardson

One of the best forwards in the competition v one of the best defenders in the competition - this abttle should be a ripper. Fletcher didn't have the greatest of days against West Coast last weekend when Troy Wilson proved a handful for him. He just had one of those days when the ball didn't bounce his way. But Fletcher rarely has two bad ones in a row and he can be expected to hit back hard on Saturday. Richardson has explosive speed for a big man but Fletcher is no slouch either. The winner of this battle could well be on the team that wins the war.