The first round win against the Pies was not only satisfying but energising and inspiring.

The problem with Essendon has always been a match up for Stringer and stopping Parish and Merritt delivering the ball with the time and space to their forwards.

The past two games against the bombers have seen us get out to large leads early but in the former game lose a close and then latterly fall over the line just.

I believe we are by far the better team but thinking and doing are different beasts.

Barring injuries, I cannot see any changes following such a fine effort. With 2metre Peter and either Goldstein or Bradley controlling hit-outs, their mids have always proven difficult opponents for our midfield but this year with Grundy and McClean showing such good form, I doubt they'll be the deciding factor.

Instead I was interested in comments from Scott tonight about Heeney and how he matches up against Perkins, which I think may be significant.

This is an important match and not one we can complacently expect to win.