Talking points

u The Bombers have played arguably the three favourites for the flag in the past three weeks – Melbourne, Collingwood and Geelong. u Jason Horne-Francis has officially arrived. He delivered a man of the match performance to haul his side over the line last week against the Saints.

u The last thing Essendon wants is to get off to another slow start in enemy territory. The Cats kicked the first six goals last week and it was game over before quarter-time.

Most goals in a game: 7, Scott Cummings, round 17, 1997, at the MCG; Warren Tredrea, round 9, 2003, at Marvel Stadium; Daniel Motlop, round 7, 2008, at Marvel Stadium.

Essendon

Away record: 5-12

Home record: 9-9

Highest score: 24.12 (156), round 1, 2000, at Marvel Stadium.

Lowest score: 4.5 (29), round 17, 2020, at Adelaide Oval.

Greatest winning margin: 94 points, round 1, 2000, at Marvel Stadium.

Longest winning sequence: 5, round 23, 2011, to round 16, 2014. Most goals in a game: 7, Matthew Lloyd, round 1, 2000, at Marvel Stadium; round 18, 2004, at Marvel Stadium.