Bombers can't wait to get on the road again
Midfielder David Myers says Essendon are not intimidated by playing outside Melbourne as the Bombers look to continue their amazing record against both Fremantle and coach Ross Lyon.
Essendon are the only team to beat Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in the Dockers' past 20 matches at the ground.
The Dons also haven't lost against a Lyon-coached side since 2009, giving them a six- match winning streak against him at Fremantle and St Kilda.
Essendon have won eight of their past 10 games outside of Victoria and Myers said the players enjoyed the challenge of performing on the road.
"We have had a decent interstate record of late," he said.
"It builds confidence in the group when you win away from home. You build trust within one another and in what you're doing.
"Last year we did have a couple of early wins away which helped us to launch into the season.
"We have had a focus that we want to be able to play a good brand of football no matter where we're playing and no matter who we're playing.
"We want to play a style of footy that is hard, contested and exciting for the fans."
The Bombers haven't made any changes to the side that belted Carlton by 81 points last Sunday, despite veterans Paul Chapman and Dustin Fletcher starting the week under an injury cloud.
Chapman needs to complete training today and his availability will be crucial for the Dons.
He is the Bombers' leading goal kicker with nine this year and has been inspirational after moving from Geelong.
"He's started brilliantly but he's been fantastic since he walked into the joint," Myers said.
"His experience and his knowledge of the game is unbelievable and he's come from a good culture in Geelong, a successful team and he's been a star. We're very lucky to have him."
Chapman was de-listed by Geelong after an outstanding 251-game career in which he kicked 336 goals and played crucial roles in three premierships.
He kicked four goals in their 2007 flag, won the Norm Smith Medal after kicking the winning goal against the Saints in 2009, and had 24 possessions as a midfielder in the 2011 triumph.
