The Bombers tackle the in-form Kangaroos at the MCG this Sunday afternoon in what is certain the be a very physical game. The Kangaroos are going to be a tougher proposition than they were in round one with most of their senior players all performing well. There will be some critical match-ups over the ground - Wayne Carey and Dustin Fletcher will renew aquaintances while at the other end Matthew Lloyd and Mick Martyn will again lock horns. The Essendon half-forward line is among the best in the league and the possible match-up of Mark Mercuri and Troy Makepeace could also be telling.

Mark Mercuri v Troy Makepeace

After three games back Mark Mercuri is primed for a big performance. He is a brilliant half-forward / mid-fielder at his best but he was a little flat against Geelong last weekend. Look for him to have a real impact on the match. Troy Makepeace has spent time in the mid-field and defence during his short time in the seniors. It is a big ask but he may be given the job of minding Mercuri – he is tough and uncompromising and will make Mercuri earn every possession.

Dustin Fletcher v Wayne Carey

It is the now mandatory match-up that always provides plenty of entertainment. After struggling with injury for much of the year Carey now looks to be on the verge of his best form. He has played more as an opportunist half forward in recent weeks than the focal point but has still had an impact. Fletcher has done well on Carey in recent encounters but like Carey is probably short of his best at the moment. Fletcher has been solid but hasn’t been the dominant defender he was in 2000.

Matthew Lloyd v Mick Martyn

Again, this is another seemingly mandatory match-up. This pair have played a lot of football in recent seasons and know each others game back-to-front. Lloyd will probably push up to the half-forward line if Martyn gets the job – a move which has seen him exploit the Kangaroo veteran’s lack of pace. Should this happen Jason McCartney might be moved onto Lloyd. Either way, whoever Martyn is on he is certain to find himself across the half back-line. Lloyd has 66 goals – exactly the same number he had at this stage last year – and is playing good solid football. If he can bag another four or five goals he will have done his job.