Brisbane star Charlie Cameron has delivered an ominous warning that suggests Essendon's season from hell could be about to get a whole lot worse.
On a four-match winning streak after convincing wins over top-four sides Sydney and Geelong, the Lions have roared back into premiership contention.
And goal-sneak Cameron insists Chris Fagan's side, which welcomes back key pair Hugh McCluggage and Dayne Zorko from injuries this week, hasn't yet fully hit its straps in pursuit of a third consecutive flag.
That doesn't bode well for the last-placed Bombers at the Gabba on Sunday.
"We're getting there," Cameron said when asked if the Lions have hit top gear.
"We've shown the last two weeks that we can play our best against the best, and even better."
Essendon (1-15) received a much-needed boost this week when young gun Nate Caddy signed a three-year contract extension.
But they are winless in five games under interim coach Dean Solomon and face a tough ask at a venue where they have lost four times in their last five visits.
Cameron expects the Bombers to throw up some hurdles but said Brisbane's primary focus will be on getting their own game in order.
"It's more about us trying to worry about our process and getting our job done," Cameron said.
"I know they're going to throw a few tricks and we don't probably know what the match-ups will look like on the ground.
"But I think if we just worry about us and trying to get our job done and our process, it will go a long way."
Intriguingly, Essendon have "managed" Jordan Ridley for a contest with one of the Queensland clubs to which he has been linked for next season.
Ben McKay and Nik Cox were also among five players left out from the side that was belted by St Kilda last week, with Archie Roberts and Harrison Jones the key inclusions.
Darcy Gardiner (hamstring) is a loss in defence for the Lions, but the return of McCluggage and Zorko bolsters the side.
