Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has urged the Suns to play a Matt Rowell "type of game" in the star midfielder's 100th match.
The Suns will meet Essendon for the first time since Mac Andrew's memorable matchwinning goal after the siren last August.
It will be the first of two matches the teams will play in the final eight weeks of the season, ahead of the game rescheduled because of Cyclone Alfred.
Both outings against the injury-hit Bombers are non-negotiables if Gold Coast want to finally end their long wait to play finals.
Currently sitting eighth, albeit having played one less game than other finals contenders, the Suns have various reasons to win at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.
Rowell, who recently turned his back on monster offers from several Victorian clubs to re-sign with the Suns for another two years, will celebrate a big milestone.
"He's decided to stay and more importantly it's his 100th game this week," Hardwick said.
"We've just got to make sure we play a Rowell type of game.
"The way he plays the game is exactly what we need to bring this week."
The Bombers' match will be followed by a three-week stretch that will define their season.
Gold Coast will have six days to prepare to host Collingwood in a rare Friday night game at People First Stadium, before an away assignment against Adelaide and a home QClash against the Brisbane Lions.
Essendon (6-8) will be boosted by the return of star pair Sam Durham and Jordan Ridley, while veteran ruck Todd Goldstein has also been recalled.
But midfielder Darcy Parish's troubled season continued when he injured his calf during the Bombers' bye.
The biggest injury blow came at training on Wednesday when talented but injury-prone defender Zach Reid suffered another hamstring injury.
Set to return after missing five weeks, Reid will now consult a surgeon to determine if surgery is required.
