There has been little love lost between Essendon and Port Adelaide in recent encounters and Matthew Knights is predicting a similar atmosphere this Saturday.

“It is a huge week this week because we haven’t beaten Port Power in a long time,” Knights said to Bomber.tv.

“I don’t think there is a lot of respect in both camps. The last game we played them was very spirited, they got hold of us and nailed us and fixed us up.

“I think there is a lot of feeling between both playing groups and both clubs and I am expecting it to be pretty fierce because I don’t think there is much love lost between the two clubs.”

Knights said the Bomber’s still have fresh memories of their Round 1, 2009 encounter with the Power and will look to level the scores this weekend.
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“I think there will be a lot of feeling between both playing groups, there is no question about that,” he said.

“You can look back at that (last year’s encounter) and reflect on that week after week but the reality is that we have to get out there and make amends.

“The last time they played us and took care of us so it will be on and we are looking forward to it.”

Knights says the spirited performance Essendon showed against Hawthorn last weekend has given his side some confidence and he hopes their attack on the ball will set the standard for the rest of the year.
“I think it was a good starting point,” Knights said.

“We spoke this week about it being a starting point and we are going to look to replicate it. We are not always going to be able to pump out the same numbers and each game and the flow of games is different.

“As long as we do our best in each game and when we have an opportunity, we stay low, we come in low and go out low and that is what we are going to practice on the track this week.”
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Knights said there could be 2-3 changes ahead of Saturday’s game with Ricky Dyson ruled out with a knee injury and a number of players pushing up through the VFL.

“We have got a few guys pushing up and they are probably going to force two or three changes,” Knights said.

“Ben Howlett has been playing well, as has David Myers and Tyson Slattery.

“Jason Laycock is trying to get his form going as a ruckman and a forward.""

Michael Hurley - who has just signed a two-year deal with the club - is expected to play this week despite undertaking modified drills at training.

“He has got a knee concern and he won’t do much on the track today but we will look to get him activated on Thursday or Friday,” Knights said.

“All going to plan, he will play but he is not out of the woods yet.”
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