One of the biggest talking points in the AFL this year has been the rise of the Bombers after the arrival of James Hird and his new coaching panel to the club.
They've been formidable opponents, averaging the second most amount of points per game (second to Collingwood) with a forward press that has seen defences the likes of St Kilda, Gold Coast and Western Bulldogs cripple unprecedentedly.
However, the very problem that has had the Bombers on the back foot for the last five years may now just come back to haunt them; depth.
Injuries to Watson, Stanton, Slattery, Hurley, Dempsey, Winderlich, Gumbleton, Welsh and Pears and a suspension to Hocking - all arguably in the best 22 in the team, have resulted in a number of youngsters being able to take on the Tigers at the MCG on Saturday night.
Players like Myers (31 disposals at 81% efficiency against Brisbane), Lonergan, Zaharakis and Hooker will be expected to play more time in the midfield as they can all win their own ball to allow the three-rucks advantage that Essendon possess to have any real effect on the game.
The good thing for Essendon is that the injuries couldn't have come at a better time. It is probably the easiest part of their draw (Richmond, Bye, Melbourne, Fremantle, North Melbourne) and many players should be available after the bye.
However, an upset loss for the high-flying Dons appears possible this week as the Tigers will attempt to use the in-form Nahas, Martin, Deledio and Foley to run the younger, less experienced players into the ground.
This will be the first real test for Essendon this year, apart from losing two players to ACL injuries in the first quarter against Carlton, and it will be interesting to see how well the future of Essendon plays at Dreamtime at the 'G on Saturday night.
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