Can the Bombers nullify the impact of Daniel Kerr? If the answer to this question is yes, Essendon will have taken a significant step towards getting the right result against West Coast at the Telstra Dome tonight. The next question is how exactly do they propose to shut him down?

And don’t be under any illusions as to how important Daniel Kerr is to the Eagles. He has played just eight games and averages 22.3 possessions per game. He has missed three games this season yet leads his side in terms of centre clearances (46) and contested possessions (78). And when he gets the ball he runs, Kerr also leads his side in terms of bounces (17).

So Essendon knows it has a star player it has to shut down but just who is the man for the job? Andrew Welsh did an excellent job on Sam Mitchell last weekend – also a prolific winner of contested football. Welsh has the strength so he will certainly come into the mix.

Henry Slattery has been a good stopper for the Bombers in the back half this year and has played midfield roles as well. He leads the Bombers for tackles this season (36) so he will certainly come into calculations as well.

Mark McVeigh might be another player that comes into calculations. McVeigh has been in exceptional form this season but given the danger that is Daniel Kerr it might be a sacrifice worth making. McVeigh also has the capability of hurting players so Kerr would need a measure of accountability should McVeigh go to him.
 
The Bombers might also rotate a number of players on Kerr. Whatever approach they take they will want to ensure it has the desired effect. 

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