The "Essendon edge" that Brad Scott wants as their AFL trademark faces another stern test against Ross Lyon's St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
The Bombers are coming off a five-goal loss to Sydney that also resulted in a four-game suspension for their tall forward Peter Wright, plenty of spot fires, and derisive comments from Swans star Tom Papley about Essendon's physical approach.
If there's a team that can handle heat in the kitchen as well as Sydney, it's any line-up coached by Lyon.
"We know what's coming, it's going to be fierce, but it's a challenge we're up for," Lyon said ahead of Saturday's clash.
"Everyone wants to play a physical, on-edge brand, (a strong) mental brand, but we all know it's easier said than done.
"We'd like to think we stood up in a really fierce contest with a lot of pressure on us last week.
"We talk about (how) confidence comes from action ... "
Asked for a comment about Wright's suspension, the response was pure Lyon.
He referred to last year's controversial Brayden Maynard tribunal hearing, where the Collingwood defender was cleared for his high contact with Melbourne opponent Angus Brayshaw.
That case, combined with the AFL's sensitivity to the concussion issue, prompted a tightening of tribunal guidelines around high contact.
"Try not to bump, lads. I don't see anyone getting off if you bump," Lyon said.
"There are no Maynards here - knock someone out and, you know, whatever it was and everything's hunky dory. It doesn't look like that anymore, does it?"
While Wright is a big loss for the Bombers, at the other end of the ground the Saints will be without their own spearhead Max King, who is also out with a one-game suspension.
Last year's impressive rookie Anthony Caminiti is the obvious replacement for King.
"It's not ideal, but it's a part of football. They're in the same boat, lose your big power forward," Lyon said.
"He (Caminiti) has been in good (VFL) form and probably a little bit unlucky not to have been in."
While the Bombers pushed Sydney, ultimately they conceded 131 points and big questions remain about their ability to defend.
The Saints will start favourites after their outstanding upset of reigning premiers Collingwood last week, which came despite losing Mason Wood and Liam Henry to injury during the match.
Australian Associated Press
