AFL Friday night footy can't come fast enough for Simon Goodwin.
Goodwin's Melbourne meets John Worsfold's Essendon in a battle of the AFL's winless at the MCG.
Goodwin has summoned Josh Wagner and Corey Wagner to replace injured recruit Steven May and Tom Sparrow, who was dropped after last week's 80-point drubbing at the hands of Geelong.
The Demons were touted as flag contenders for 2019 but sit on the bottom of the AFL ladder with a lousy percentage of 50.2.
While Goodwin said there were no valid excuses for his side's poor early form, and that he backed his 22 to do a job against the Bombers, it's clear judgement will be harsh on the loser of Friday's game.
The third-year coach conceded regaining confidence was important entering a stretch of Sydney away, followed by St Kilda, Richmond and Hawthorn.
He was hopeful of summoning some old-fashion spirit in his players against the Bombers, who have brought in Kobe Mutch and Zac Clarke for omitted pair Mitch Brown and Kyle Langford.
"Confidence is a great word but you can't sprinkle it, you can't get it in a cereal bowl, you've got to earn it," Goodwin said.
"You've actually got to go and do the work, do the performance, do your time, start playing better as a group and a team and start helping each other."
