ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights says his players will need to shake off their tendency to start slowly this week if they are to be competitive with the unbeaten Cats on Sunday.

The Bombers have kicked just one goal in the first quarter on five occasions this year, and on the weekend, managed three against Richmond as the Tigers got out to an early lead.

Knights said while he generally preferred to highlight the positives from his side's games, such a start against Geelong would be catastrophic.

"We haven't made too big an issue of it because we want to focus on what we're doing well, and the other three and a half quarters have generally been pretty good for the year," he said.

"We must keep focusing on what we're doing well but I understand it would be nicer to start quicker.

"The team we're playing this week, they do start quick – real quick."

Knights also remains haunted by last year's 99-point round two loss to the Cats in just his second game as coach.

"As a coach, you tend to have a good memory and I still have the memory of sitting up there in the coach's box and them moving the ball swiftly and hitting forwards on the lead. They were quite awesome that night," he said.

"They've been superbly consistent over a long period. Their consistency is amazing.

"They just keep coming up and keep playing strong, consistent footy, so we're going to have to come early in the game with impetus and energy, and there's no greater challenge in footy than to play the Geelong footy club."

Knights said the Bombers would be willing to take risks on Sunday as they attempted to mirror the Western Bulldogs' round nine effort against Geelong.

"Without risks, you play very conservative football and we don't like playing conservative football," he said.

"We don't think it suits us and I don't think it suits young players, because conservative football means there's a lot going on and all of a sudden you've got to make a decision that's not a good one.

"We've got to make sure we get that right balance on Sunday to give ourselves an opportunity to win.

"As long as we keep playing to our maximum and keep trying to hit our game style and execute well, that pleases our coaching staff and we'll see what happens from there."

The Bombers have played in front of three bumper crowds this year in blockbusters against Carlton (round three), Collingwood (round five), and Richmond (round nine).

Knights said the potentially sell-out crowd for Sunday's game at Docklands would provide his young players with yet another beneficial platform from which to gain experience.

"It's another good thing for our young players. We want to make Etihad Stadium a cauldron and really get our people and our supporters up and about with plenty of noise," he said.

"If we can do that when we kick a goal on Sunday, I think it will help our team.

"To play in front of a full house will be another great experience.

"For Tayte Pears and Cale Hooker and David Myers and Bachar Houli, it's just invaluable experience, and I've been really proud they haven't shied away from any contests in any of those games in front of a big crowd."