Breaking News: Main Reason some Bombers may be ‘nervous’ in Cats clash

The Essendon team is anticipated to have a stronger lineup when they take on Geelong this Friday in their second pre-season match. Captain Zach Merrett foresees some anxious players competing for spots in the team for the opening round.

After a disappointing loss to St Kilda last week, the Bombers aim to bounce back with key players like Jordan Ridley and Peter Wright expected to return. Additionally, Ben Hobbs and Nate Caddy are striving to be fit for selection, giving the team a more complete squad to choose from.

Merrett, who played only half the game against St Kilda due to a pre-planned strategy, is preparing for a full match against Geelong. He acknowledges the challenge of playing in Geelong but sees the pre-season game as an opportunity to assess the team’s readiness for the upcoming season.

Merrett believes that with the team nearing full strength, players will be motivated to showcase their best performance against Geelong.

Despite the setback against St Kilda, Merrett remains confident, emphasizing the learning opportunities from the defeat. He highlights midfielder Sam Durham as a player poised for growth this season, drawing comparisons to Port Adelaide’s Connor Rozee.

As Merrett enters his second season as captain, he feels more prepared for the responsibilities that come with the role. He looks forward to guiding and empowering his teammates in leadership roles, acknowledging the ongoing growth of the team’s leadership under coach Brad Scott.