The coach has named Patrick Ryder in the ruck and has also made four changes with Nathan Lovett-Murray and Adam McPhee back from suspension, Jobe Watson recovered from a bruised back and Ricky Dyson brought back in. This is a crunch game for both teams and for Knights, who played 279 games with the Tigers, a win takes on added importance.
Essendon has suffered a spate of big losses in the past month and, despite an improved showing for three quarters against Sydney, the team has struggled to match its opponents. Sitting at two wins and six losses this season, the ladder would look very ugly for the Bombers should another loss be posted.
Richmond is riding high after fighting losses to good sides but, with only two wins and a draw to its name, the results on paper will look quite ugly should they not secure the four points this week. The Tigers will be hell bent on making a kill.
The key question for the Bombers is who will take on Matthew Richardson.
Lovett-Murray, Dustin Fletcher and Ryder would all be contenders for the role of shutting down this tall Tiger who has been nearing career best form.
The Bombers will look to their backline to provide plenty of run. McPhee will be joined by young guns David Myers and Tom Hislop - who are both starting to find their feet in the competition. Henry Slattery is likely to again take the best small forward and could be given the job of shutting down the dangerous Brett Deledio.
The Bombers matched Sydney’s more experienced midfield for three quarters last week but couldn’t maintain the pressure. Richmond has a healthy mix of midfielders including Nathan Foley, Kane Johnson and Chris Newman all well served by Troy Simmonds in the ruck.
The inclusion of Jobe Watson will add grunt and strength around the ball and Jason Winderlich and Mark McVeigh will be better with some game-time under their belts since returning from injury. Stanton will again be looked upon to create and after slowly working his way into form, he needs to stand out from his opposition.
The Bombers must at least break even around stoppages in order to stop a confident Tigers outfit from pumping the ball into the forward line.
A seasoned professional like Matthew Lloyd does not take criticism lying down. The champion full-forward should get more of the ball this week and will need to convert his opportunities and silence a growing chorus of critics.
David Hille was a shining light up forward in patches last week. With Ryder likely to be given more of a roaming role around the ground, he will be called on to present as a key forward.
Richmond is not known for its defence and Andrew Welsh and Andrew Lovett will need to provide strong support with Scott Lucas and Alwyn Davey still missing.
If Dreamtime at the ‘G sets the stage for an Indigenous star to shine then Essendon will be best served. The Bombers will field four Indigenous players while Richmond has just one - the improving Richard Tambling.
Leroy Jetta has been named on the interchange. Playing in his first Dreamtime match, he would be keen to turn around a tough couple of weeks.
A big crowd is expected at the ‘G to watch two teams who are desperate for a win - fighting for the four points which could easily go either way.
