Essendon v Port Adelaide, Marvel Stadium Thursday, March 27, 7.30pm AEDT

Last time: Port Adelaide 17.9 (111) d Essendon 6.6 (42), R4 2024

What it means

Essendon has been seen as stuck in middling mediocrity for several seasons but is at risk of falling lower than that after a concerning start to the season highlighted by allowing Adelaide to boot 25 goals last week. Bombers coach Brad Scott has denied his side is rebuilding, while he expects them to contend each week, but the young outfit now needs to do the talking and show it is ready to compete.

Port Adelaide did all that it could to answer the critics that stepped up after its disappointing defeat to Collingwood with a clinical win over the rebuilding Richmond last week. A clash with an under-fire Essendon on its home turf will present a different sort of challenge for the Power but they can take confidence from winning 11 of their past 12 matches against all opposition at the venue.

Game shapers

Zach Merrett continues to do all that he can to drag Essendon along and booted an equal career-high four goals while gathering 36 disposals and 748 metres gained even as his side was crushed by Adelaide last week. The Bombers captain needs more support from the next tier of midfielders and emerging talents but can be trusted to lead the way again under bright lights against the Power.

Willem Drew can at times fly under the radar among Port Adelaide's star-studded midfield but continues to perform critical roles as he prepares to play his 100th consecutive game. The 26-year-old has often been used as a lockdown specialist this year and will likely spend plenty of time minding the Bombers' prime mover in Merrett while allowing his more creative teammates to go to work.