There will be no love lost between the Bombers and the Blues when they do battle in Friday night’s blockbuster at the MCG.

Assistant coach Gary O’Donnell told media today that the Bombers are looking forward to seeing a strong rivalry continue and says Essendon have no sympathy for the Blues despite recent media scrutiny over a slump in form.

“Carlton is a famous football club in the VFL/AFL and has been very successful. They’ve had these sorts of things happen in the past and good sides respond and we just have to make sure that we are ready for that,” O’Donnell said.

“Certainly we would have thought that Carlton will come out all guns blazing and hopefully Essendon come out all guns blazing as well.”
Don't miss all the great Bomber events, including the 'Nine Lives' Adam Ramanauskas book launch. Click here.

O’Donnell said it is unlikely the Bombers will make any wholesale changes to the side this week following an impressive 33-point victory over St Kilda but ruled Scott Gumbleton out through injury.

The Bombers’ key position prospect sustained fractured ribs and a slight puncture to his ribs and is expected to miss the next four weeks of football.

O’Donnell said Michael Hurley, who was today announced as the Round 18 Rising Star, could fill the void up forward.

“It is quite possible that Michael could go forward this week but we might also play him back,” O’Donnell said.

“His flexibility serves a dual purpose I suppose as it allows him to get a little bit of exposure to both ends. With Tayte Pears going down, Cale Hooker missing four weeks with a hamstring and Dustin Fletcher having two suspensions we have been a little bit unsettled and Michael’s had to cop the brunt of it.

“With Scott out this week, Michael may get a role up forward or we could call on other players to fill that spot.”
Click here to bid on one of Essendon's match-worn Call to Arms guernseys while supporting the fight against cancer.