The Bendigo Bombers will be keen to put the disappointment of last week’s 34-point loss behind them with a strong performance against Werribee this week. A slow start against Tasmania cost Bendigo the four points. Bendigo has a star-studded line-up again this week with regular senior players Mark Mercuri, Mark McVeigh, Damian Cupido and Mark Alvey all in the side.

Cupido was in solid touch last week booting two goals. Bomber coach Kevin Sheedy hinted during the week that Cupido and McVeigh would be likely to come into the senior team. However, with the performance of the team in recent weeks the selection committee opted to make just two changes. Jobe Watson and Marc Bullen played Friday night against the Western Bulldogs and veteran Mark Mercuri and draftee Brent Stanton made way for the pair.

Today’s match against Werribee will be a big test for the much improved Bendigo. There is no doubt that the experience of Mercuri and the speed and skill of young Stanton will strengthen the side. Werribee is sitting in fifth top side and has been impressive this season. Bendigo will be keen to improve its win loss ratio of 2:2 and stay in touch with the top four.

Bendigo Bombers team:
B: Wilson, Campbell, Nash
HB: McVeigh, Hunt, Doering
C: Lovett, Stanton, Winderlich
HF: Hawkins, Richards, Alvey
F: Cupido, Alvey, Bradley
R: Cartledge, Mercuri, Carter
Int from: Davies, Cosgriff, Summers, Walsh, Rosa, Robins, Bowen, Sellers

All Essendon supporters are encouraged to get along to Chirnside Park on Sunday to support the Bendigo team. The match kicks off at 2pm.