Unwanted record looms, but Bomber sees signs of life

Essendon's small signs of life have probably come too late to save the Bombers from their worst AFL losing streak.

Four losses to start this season have them on 17 straight heading into Saturday afternoon's Gather Round game against Melbourne at Adelaide Oval.

But after another poor start, they rallied last week against the Western Bulldogs and were competitive in the second half.

Their shocking run with injuries is also easing, headlined by Jordan Ridley's first senior game of the season.

Still, the Demons are red-hot, coming off a big win over Gold Coast, and are strong favourites.

"After quarter-time, we were pretty proud of what we were able to put out on the ground," Essendon utility Xavier Duursma said of the loss to the Bulldogs.

"There were some steps ahead ... in terms of the pressure we wanted to show and some things in offence, we were able to control the game a bit more.

"There's still a long, long way to go for us."

Ridley only played 10 games last season because of hamstring injuries.

Key forward Nate Caddy will return from concussion protocols, while Elijah Tsatas will also play his first AFL game this year, and top-10 draft pick Sullivan Robey will make his senior debut.

Equally important for Essendon, their omissions include Archie Perkins and Matt Guelfi, who have been AFL regulars, so the competition for senior berths might be building.

"I'm so excited to see 'Chook' back. He's one of my best mates at the club and he's had a really tough road ... with some of his injuries," Duursma said of Ridley.

"He's an elite ball user and an elite intercept defender, so it's great to have him back.

"We have some really good, competitive (selections) - maybe for the first time, with our injury stuff, for 18 months.

"It's a good spot for the club to be in, to have selection 'controversy' and all stuff like that."

After five seasons at Port Adelaide, Duursma is in his third year at Essendon and wants to build on the six finals he played at the Power.

"There's still so much room for us to grow - we're a young team ... we're pretty excited about what we can build," he said.

"I just want to be a part of that and help us get there, because I know how much I enjoy winning."