Today's headlines

• Knights looks to St Kilda formula
  Thu, Jul 29, 10
• Hille return likely
  Wed, Jul 28, 10
• Winderlich aiming for one-week recovery
  Tue, Jul 27, 10

Today's videos

• Goal Of The Week: Rd 17
  Tue, Jul 27, 10
• Mark Of The Week: Rd 17
  Tue, Jul 27, 10
• The Sunday Footy Wrap Rd17: NMFC v Ess
  Sun, Jul 25, 10

THE Bombers' record at AAMI Stadium has been less than encouraging in recent times. However a fit and fired-up Dons outfit looks set to deliver on a promising pre-season campaign.

The Crows managed just one victory throughout the pre-season competition and with injury clouds surrounding a host of key players they look vulnerable despite their home-ground advantage.

After last year’s humiliating loss to Adelaide, when Essendon conceded the fifth highest score in its history, Bombers fans will be hoping the embarrassment of that 138-point drubbing will provide the motivation needed to knock off the Crows on their home turf.

In fact, the Bombers' past five matches against Adelaide have been played at AAMI Stadium with just one victory, back in 2004. If we include matches against Port Adelaide, the Bombers have won just one of their past 10 encounters at the venue and have an average losing margin of 66 points.

But Bombers fans can take heart; the omens suggest the Essendon hoodoo at AAMI Stadium might just be broken this Sunday.

At Sportsbet.com.au, the Crows are quoted as $1.30 favorites, with the Bombers outsiders at $3.55. But that won't worry coach Kevin Sheedy, who has a full list to choose from and nothing to lose heading into the clash.

A key factor for the Bombers will be their ability to exploit the Crows' depleted ruck stocks. Rhett Biglands is out for the season, Matthew Clarke has moved to St Kilda and back-up tall timber Ivan Maric and John Meesen have both been ruled out with injury.

That leaves Ben Hudson to shoulder the rucking duties. If David Hille and Jason Laycock can gain an early ascendancy, the Bombers' midfield should be able to get on top around the stoppages and steer the clearances - and the four points - Essendon’s way.

Also missing for he Crows will be talented pair Ken McGregor and Kris Massie, while club captain Mark Ricciuto is sidelined indefinitely with back and neck problems that continue to plague his comeback this year.

Trent Henschel’s absence was felt by the Crows forward line last year and with the talented youngster set to miss the entire season, it's hard to pinpoint where Adelaide will find its goals.

Without McGregor, Welsh and Ricciuto the Bombers backline will be primed to be pounce, with their strong rebound style football delivering plenty of opportunities to Lloyd and Lucas up forward.

The likes of Scott Thompson, Tyson Edwards, Brett Burton, Andrew McLeod and Simon Goodwin all pose serious threats.

But if the Bombers' midfield can restrict two or three of the Crows ball magnets, the firepower of the Essendon forward line should prove the difference in the final result.