Saturday, 11 August 2012:

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott believes the effect of Essendon's AFL injury woes has been overrated and the Kangaroos will face a side loaded with talent on Sunday.

The Etihad Stadium clash between the clubs that started the round holding the bottom two spots in the top eight has been likened to a final.

But whereas the Kangaroos take in a settled side and confidence from a string of recent wins, the Bombers have lost four of their past five games amid constant forced changes.

They have made five more this round, including losing Ben Howlett and Jason Winderlich to hamstring injuries from a midfield already missing David Zaharakis and Brent Stanton.

But Scott said the Kangaroos should not be lulled into anticipating weakened or out-of-form opponents.

He said the Bombers produced fantastic football to lose narrowly to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last round and with the likes of Dustin Fletcher and Stewart Crameri back in their side would be even better.

He said Essendon boasted arguably the game's best midfielder in captain Jobe Watson and would be spoilt for choice in attack, with Crameri adding to fellow recent comeback forwards Michael Hurley and Scott Gumbleton.

"It's not as if they're scraping the bottom of the barrel," Scott said this week.

"They've got some genuine options and I think some really good players are going to miss out on their best 22 this week.

"The injuries I don't think have hurt them as much as everyone possibly suggests it has.

"We've just got to be at our best, we've got to plan for their best."

Essendon also welcomed back Angus Monfries and Michael Hibberd and included first-gamer Brendan Lee, while the Kangaroos' only change was the return from injury of Leigh Adams.

Scott said the Bombers' intensity was outstanding against the Crows and the Kangaroos were anticipating a fierce assault.

"They've said themselves if they bring that sort of intensity to the contest they're going to be pretty competitive, so we've got to make sure we match them in that area," he said.

Bombers coach James Hird was equally glowing about the Kangaroos.

"They've been great, in really good form," Hird said.

"We played them round one and were probably a bit lucky to win when a kick after the siren missed.

"They've been up and about, playing excellent football.

"They've got some really good talent in (Andrew) Swallow and (Daniel) Wells and (Drew) Petrie playing well, (Brent) Harvey's dangerous.

"They run the ball very well, if we can't defend the ground then we'll be in for a very long night."

AAP