Will Essendon come out firing?

Essendon will be looking to make amends this week after falling to the Pies on Anzac Day. The Bombers downed Hawthorn and Carlton in the lead-up and entered the game as red-hot favourites, only to let themselves down by overusing the ball in trying conditions.

Expect James Hird’s men to play a more direct style on Sunday.

This time last year, St Kilda stunned Essendon at Etihad Stadium, defeating them by 16 points and a similar result would certainly appease the Saints fans.

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Who lines up on Watson?

He’s Essendon’s barometer. If he’s playing well, they’re playing well and stopping the Dons’ skipper will be crucial if the Saints are win this one on Sunday afternoon.

Maverick Weller returns this week after being named in the squad following a calf strain, and while he generally gets the job tagging opposing stars, a handful of players have shown their ability to take the opposition top dogs. Jarryn Geary, Tom Curren and Jack Newnes have all had defensive roles this year and are all capable of putting a stop on Watson.

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Is it time for Hickey to return?

This time last year Tom Hickey was shaping up to be a genuine threat after starring as the Saints’ number one ruckman in the early rounds of the season. In that period he played an unforgettable career best game, kicking three goals against monster ruckman Shane Mumford, showcasing some impressive spread and run in the hard-fought win.

12 months on and the big man has only managed one AFL game (Round 17 last year). A serious knee injury and blistering form from Billy Longer has seen Hickey have to fight for his spot in the VFL.

This is not to say Hickey has sat back quietly. The elite endurance athlete has spent the start of 2015 bullying opposition ruckman in the VFL, recently moving forward in a bid to crack the seniors in the absence of Nick Riewoldt.

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Can Billy Longer back it up?

The ex-Vic Metro captain is showing unrelenting improvement, dominating at the stoppages with an average of 41 hit outs in his last three matches. Longer’s form has cemented his place as the primary ruckman and it doesn’t look as if he’s going to step aside anytime soon.

Who will watch Brendon Goddard?

The Saints life member has been given a license to play wherever he likes this year at the Bombers and for good reason. Goddard has played a mix of forward, back and midfield roles, using his penetrating kick off the backline and his aggressive attack at the contest in the forward line. Averaging 25 possessions per outing, Goddard looms as a threat and will be one that each of the line coaches will be looking out for. Expect his ex-teammates Sean Dempster and Sam Fisher to keep him in check when he rolls forward.