Kevin Sheedy caught up with his former assistant coach and now sparring partner, Neale Daniher earlier today. Daniher and Sheedy will go head to head in opposing coaches’ box this Sunday when Essendon takes on Melbourne at the MCG. The game is shaping up to be a blockbuster, with both teams desperate to win to strengthen their chances of a top-four finish come September.

""It is great that two established clubs in Melbourne are going to get 60,000 plus at the MCG on Sunday. There is no reason why we shouldn’t get that crowd size with both clubs play great footy. Both teams are very skillful footy sides and I think the fans like that,"" Sheedy said.

""Essendon has been terrific over the years getting crowds in. We have been up and down and we need to be more consistent as a team to attract more people to come and watch,"" Melbourne coach Neale Daniher said.

Melbourne has definitely introduced on-field consistency into its season in 2004. The Demons are currently sitting comfortably in third position on the ladder with nine wins. Ruckman Jeff White has played a huge role in Melbourne’s success this season.

""White has been in terrific form – he would be far off being up there in the Brownlow Medal voting at the present time. He is a ruckman who accumulates a lot of possessions – not many ruckman do that and he is one of the best at it,"" Sheedy commented.

Both coaches expect a tough encounter and are keen to secure the four points before the mid-season break. Essendon was taken apart by the reigning premiers in the second half last week and Sheedy said his players are desperate to turn their form around.

""We are coming up against a team in form. The last two losses Melbourne has had are against the same teams as us – Geelong and Brisbane. So I suppose we are a little bit level that way,"" coach Sheedy said.

Daniher also agreed that the match would be a good test to see how far his players have come this season. ""This is going to be a good challenge for us and we are looking forward to it. It is such a big game – played at the MCG in front of a big crowd. We want to be involved in big games,"" Daniher said.

Melbourne will wear its away guernsey on Sunday to avoid the clashing of jumpers. Daniher said the primary reason for wearing the alternative jumper is to avoid confusion for the supporters. Melbourne’s away strip is predominantly red.