Essendon will contemplate taking a hard-tag approach to Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca as they attempt to avoid a 0-3 start to the AFL season.
The Bombers were blown out of the water by Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield and Brisbane's Lachie Neale in successive weeks, with coach Ben Rutten backing his midfielders to go head-to-head with their opponents.
Norm Smith Medallist Petracca has been in ominous form, averaging 39 disposals, 7.5 clearances, 825 metres gained and 10.5 score involvements per game.
