Just like a number of other teams in the competition this season, Essendon’s start has been one of mixed fortunes.

Losing their first two games to GWS and St Kilda, the Bombers have bounced back in the past fortnight, levelling their season tally with wins over Melbourne and Brisbane.

While the personnel hasn’t changed dramatically throughout the season, midfield dominance has resulted in a significantly greater scoring output.

Essendon is averaging 40.2 clearances per game, the fourth-most in the competition and after its on-ball brigade failed to click in the opening two weeks, they’ve now hit their straps.

Recruit Dylan Shiel has found his feet at his new club, averaging just under 30 disposals in the past two weeks.

The former GWS Giant leads the Bombers in disposals and clearances per game, ahead of the talented Zach Merrett.

Merrett himself is also finding his form after a slow start, recording a season-high 35 disposals against Brisbane on Saturday, as well as 7 clearances.

The ability to control the midfield battle has benefited the Dons’ forward-line, which has found its mojo in the past fortnight.

Averaging 52.5 points in the opening two rounds, Rounds 3 and 4 have seen Essendon score 130 and 112 points respectively, averaging more than double their early season tally.

The forward-line has adjusted well to the injury to Joe Daniher, which has seen him miss the opening month of the season.

The small forwards have really stood up to plate in Daniher’s absence, with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Jake Stringer and Orazio Fantasia all firing.

McDonald-Tipungwuti is leading his side’s goal-kicking, recording 11 majors to date, including an impressive 7-goal haul last weekend.

Dynamic forward Jake Stringer has kicked seven from his four games, but could easily have more after inaccuracy left him with just 1.4 last weekend.

Defensively, Cale Hooker was a welcome return to what was a relatively undermanned backline, reuniting with Michael Hurley to form a stingy partnership that has excelled for so many years.

The Bombers are going to provide a massive challenge for North in a Good Friday blockbuster.