Round 2 - Essendon

[Cheer Squad]

Essendon's season got off to a flying start with a 9-goal hiding of the Bulldogs on Sunday. As for us, well, two points are better than none...

It's hard to read our recent history against the Bombers. There's no consistency to it.

They certainly don't fear playing us in Sydney, with a couple of wins at the SCG recently, and a highly competitive loss there last year. They don't have a good record at Homebush, being 1-4 at the venue, although something tells me they have a real chance to improve on that this time.

There's plenty to like about us, but I still think we're a bit unsettled at the moment. And if there's no improvement in contested possessions this week, we're gonna get smacked.

I wouldn't be surprised if we lose on Sunday. Essendon by 20.

[swansrule100]

I think we will be fired up after that draw im hoping for a similar result to last time we played them at ANZ. I think we basically need to shut down watson and keep their ruckman quiet. I think we are a far superior side and i expect a good win. I hate essendon

[swansrob]

I'm sick of cocky Essendon fans already his year, so I'd love to bring them back down to earth on Sunday afternoon. They're almost as bad as Collingwood fans...

[swansrule100]

essendon fans are dellusional, least collingwood are a good side, the bombers have been rubbish for best part of a decade

[dimelb]

Essendon have undoubtedly improved. Swans in a tight one - 1 goal or less.

[Peace]

Well if we havent won a Rd1 game since 2005 and last year we were top of the ladder by Rd5.... by drawing Rd1 this year, i expect us to demolish the next 5 teams for no clear reasoning at all

[ShockOfHair]

If Hirdomania doesn't bring the Dons down, maybe the complexity of getting to Homebush will.

The Bombers are the only club yet to step on to an airplane this year in any of the NAB Cup, NAB Challenge or the home and away season. The Bombers didn?t even leave Victoria for a training camp.

Under Matthew Knights, Essendon won just three of 17 matches outside Victoria, so while the 55-point thrashing of the Western Bulldogs on Sunday was all well and good, a sign of real progress will be a win on the road, which is the message Hird will be preaching all this week as the Bombers make their way to Sydney.

Front and Square - AFL.com.au

BTW - were we one of the three?

[Plugger46]

If Hirdomania doesn't bring the Dons down, maybe the complexity of getting to Homebush will.



Front and Square - AFL.com.au

BTW - were we one of the three?

Yes, beat us at the SCG in 2009 from memory.

[satchmopugdog]

I'm sick of cocky Essendon fans already his year, so I'd love to bring them back down to earth on Sunday afternoon. They're almost as bad as Collingwood fans...

I would take Collingwood fans any day over Essendon fans.....I have never recovered from the 80's ....and absolutely loathe Essendon and Hawthorn. Through sheer hate I hope we win, but realistically I think I think THEM by 10 points

[Bas]

MMM in Sydney said LRT and Kennelly were returning this weekend in the reserves. I thought LRT did that last week.

Apart from Big Ted, are backline was very wobbly last week and the midfield went to sleep after half time.

They need to improve considerably to be a chance on Sunday.

[DeadlyAkkuret]

I want us to bring Essendon back to reality and I believe we will, but I expect a very tough affair.

If any of you frequent that Big site you'll know just how carried away they're getting and a few of them are predicting an easy win the the Bombers. Ugh!

[Bleed Red Blood]

I'm predicting a good win for us. I think the bloods will start strong, and if they can start building a lead early it will sap essendons confidence. It would be great to put them in their place, and if it led to us having the mental edge over them for a while, alls the better. young teams, new coaches.. i think our older players are better, and that in the end, will prove the difference.

[Yuri H]

I want very badly to be optimistic, but we seem to still be using our wily "play three quarters, nap through one" game plan that causes such anguish & shouting of naughty words at the Yuri household. If both teams play like they did in Round 1, we're not gonna win it. I said "Bombers between 10-19 points", if only to inspire Fate (and incidentally our Swans) to prove me wrong.

[AnnieH]

Bombers can easily win this.
Hope the "winning" swans turn up to play.

[707]

So what changes to the team this week? Will we still have Seaby as the sub or go for a runner?