WESTERN Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has backed young defensive pair Zaine Cordy and Lewis Young to hold their own against Essendon's twin towers Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker.
The Bomber duo have been in sparkling form this season, combining to kick 79 goals as arguably the AFL's best tall forward combination, and they loom as a considerable threat in Sunday's massive clash at Etihad Stadium.
Despite missing gun stopper Dale Morris and first-choice key defender Marcus Adams through injury, Beveridge believes inexperienced tyros Cordy and Young will acquit themselves well like they did in the preceding two weeks in wins over Carlton and Gold Coast.
Cordy has played 25 games in three seasons at Whitten Oval, while Young has been impressive in three games in his debut season.
"They're doing outstandingly well, they're really working hard to look after each other, and it's exciting to see the two of them progress and improve their performance," Beveridge said on Saturday.
"(Daniher and Hooker) do loom as threats, as did (Levi) Casboult and (Charlie) Curnow for Carlton, and as did (Tom) Lynch and (Peter) Wright for Gold Coast.
"We've had two good goes at it the last couple of weeks, and it would be nice to get another good result again on Sunday.
Another enthralling subplot to this battle for a top-eight spot will be which team gets to move the ball on their terms.
The Bombers swift movement has been a hallmark of their push to return to September action, while the Dogs are the AFL's No.1 tackling side.
Beveridge said stopping the Dons' run and spread would help his side limit the impact of Daniher and Hooker.
"The tackling side of the game is really critical against a side like Essendon who once they break (from the contest) they really get out, so we need to make sure we stop them in their tracks," he said.
"A lot of our games (are high in tackles) because we've invited some pressure, and we haven't been too bad, but sometimes we're second to the ball.
"We want to keep winning out fair share of loose ball or that really tight stuff in close, so that will be the main aim."
Travis Cloke returns to the senior side for the first time since his battle with mental health issues, and Beveridge said the former Magpies was a popular inclusion with teammates.
Cloke gets his chance with Jack Redpath missing through a one-match suspension, but the coach is confident both hulking forwards can play in the same side.
"We tried it once against Geelong, and both of them were down a little bit and both of them came out of the side the next week," Beveridge said.
"I think the two of them learnt some lessons from that game, as we all did, so there's no doubt we can (play them together).
"We'll see what unfolds because 'Red' will be available the week after."
Beveridge said dynamic forward Jake Stringer was "close" in his return from a hamstring injury, and wouldn't be surprised if the 23-year-old put his hand up for next week's trip to the Gabba to face the Brisbane Lions.
Tom Boyd was "at least a couple of weeks away" with his mental illness battle, and the key forward will return through the VFL when he is ready to play.
