Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti started in the forward line, alongside Joe Daniher, Mitch Brown, Orazio Fantasia, Shaun McKernan and Will Hams.

Jayden Laverde is also stationed in attack and kicked the Bombers opener after some early dominance from the side.  St Kilda had just one possession in the forward half for the first eight minutes of the match.

In defence, Michael Hartley is playing on Tim Membrey, James Gwilt is on Josh Bruce and Patrick Ambrose is on Nick Riewoldt.

Essendon is again showing its strength around the clearances.  At quarter time the Bombers lead that stat 10-8 but trail the inside 50's 14-18.

Adam Cooney (9), Zach Merrett (9) and Brendon Goddard (8) are the major ball winners for the Bombers, with the side trailing St Kilda by 12 points.