Emerging Bomber David Zaharakis says Friday's night's clash with the Hawks will test the mental strength of the team.
The 20-year-old says the side has shown plenty of spirit and will need to draw on that to get a win.
""We’ve got a lot of resilience in the side; that was spoken about a lot at the beginning of the year,"" Zaharakis said to Bomber.tv.
""We had a good six weeks after Anzac Day and we’ve lost another two games. We don’t want to lose three games in a row, that’s a pretty big thing in AFL and we might lose our touch with the top eight so we need to keep on winning and hopefully string a few games together.

""It’s not scary but it’s a big challenge, there’s a big rivalry between us and they’re in hot form at the moment so it’ll be a good chance to try and stop them and get a win going into the break.

""They’re... probably a different side to the one that we played in Round 6. They have a few blokes up and running at the moment, coming back from injury and we’re looking forward to a big game.""
A life-long Essendon fan, Zaharakis said having James Hird join in training on Monday - help launch the 2000 Premiership celebrations and Lloyd/Lucas tribute - was an amazing experience.

""He (Hird) just spoke about how good the club is and the rivalry between the two clubs,"" Zaharakis said.

""It was great for me because I missed him by two years, being an Essendon fan I missed him being around the club so it was great to finally get out there and train with him for a session, even though it was only one session for an hour, it was good for me.
""Being a supporter my whole life it was good to run out there with him.""
The return of Hird to Windy Hill wasn't only enjoyed by the players, with assistant coach Adrian Hickmott saying everyone got a lift from it.
""James Hird pepped me up, he was fantastic, to see him running around out there with the players, Zaka had a few smiles on his face when James was out there,"" Hickmott said. 
""It’s a great initiative to have a legend come back to the club and even join in training, he’s up and about and he’s very fit. I dare say with some of the younger players it would lift anyone, it even lifts the coaches.""
To buy an Essendon guernsey, retro gear or other great Bomber products click here. 
South Australian fan information: Essendon players and coaches will appear at 'Breakfast with the Bombers' in Adelaide the morning after their clash with the Crows.
When: Sunday, 4th July at 8:30am (doors open at 8am).
Where: Adelaide Hilton, Victoria Square.
 
Tickets cost $50 per adult and $25 for under 15's and includes a cooked breakfast, door prize, raffles, auctions, interviews with the players, autograph and photo opportunities.
 
Numbers are limited and booking can be made by emailing Jeff at: jeff12@adam.com.au or Brad at: bradleej@adam.com.au