Most pundits could not have Essendon and Geelong further apart, but there is at least one parallel between the two clubs ahead of this Saturday’s inaugural Powercor Country Program.

The Cats and the Bombers are two sides with a number of new faces and, in the early stages of the season at least, are doing all they can to build chemistry between players and establish a foundation for success.

Both clubs are also doing it on the fly – but of course it’s fair to say John Worsfold and his match committee are forced to approach the task in a considerably different manner to Chris Scott and his assistants.

As to the year so far, the Bombers enjoyed a famous, against the odds victory over Melbourne in round two by 13 points. That win, however, has been bookended by two 60-odd point beatings from the Gold Coast Suns and Port Adelaide.

The most recent defeat surely leaves a few players feeling the pinch, especially with some impressive performances from proven senior players at VFL level.

Former Cat Jonathon Simpkin collected 30 disposals and eight marks in Essendon VFL’s loss to Werribee by 18 points last weekend, whilst Swan-now-Don Craig Bird had 27 disposals and 10 tackles.

For a Bombers midfield about to shape up to the likes of Joel Selwood, Patrick Dangerfield and Josh Caddy, Bird and Simpkin are two mature-aged bodies who could certainly shoulder the midfield-load with the likes of Darcy Parish and David Zaharakis.

Top-up defender Nathan Grima got through a full VFL match unscathed last week and will be in line to re-start his AFL career after 86 games with North Melbourne.

The 30-year-old has not played top-flight football since the Kangaroos’ 2014 preliminary final loss to Sydney and retired midway through last season due to persistent back injuries.

If Grima does indeed return, a key back such as Michael Hartley or even the likes of Mitch Brown may be squeezed from the side. Brown has been trialled up forward in recent weeks with limited success, collecting 9 disposals and two marks against the Power in round three.

As for other omissions, Jackson Merrett only managed 7 disposals and a goal at Adelaide Oval whilst Nick Kommer did boot two goals but only touched the Sherrin eight times. Patrick Ambrose could be on the outer at selection if the Bombers decide to reward Sam Grimley for his three goal effort in the VFL and youngster Kyle Langford would be stiff to see himself dropped but may be a candidate as Worsfold looks to manage the loads of his less senior players.

And finally, Courtenay Dempsey is available for selection having served his four-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Richmond’s Brett Deledio last season, but is likely to play VFL before returning to the senior side.

With three potential changes, here is how Essendon are predicted to line up in round four against the Cats:

OUT: Jackson Merrett,  Nick Kommer, Patrick Ambrose

IN: Nathan Grima, Jonathon Simpkin, Craig Bird