THE JOB of standing Essendon twin towers Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker would be a daunting proposition for most defenders, but laid-back Bulldog Zaine Cordy is relishing the challenge.

The Bombers' dynamic duo have kicked 79 goals between them this season, and Daniher is in position to challenge for the Coleman Medal.

However, Cordy isn't fretting ahead of Sunday's crucial clash at Etihad Stadium, as he sees it as another opportunity to test himself against the AFL's premier key forwards after holding his own against Gold Coast star Tom Lynch last week.

While the 193cm stopper conceded six centimetres to Lynch, he'll also give away size to Daniher (201cm) and Hooker (197cm).

"They've both been in very good form, especially Joe Daniher, he just seems to be marking everything at the moment," Cordy told AFL.com.au.

"They'll be a main focus this week, but it should be fun, as it's always good to play against the superstars to see how well you're going.

"I'm not too worried how big they are, I'm more concerned how well I read the ball and my positioning on them."

The defender's happy-go-lucky nature hasn't been lost on Luke Beveridge, with the coach believing Cordy's ability not to get too caught up in the pressure of a huge game is a "big advantage" for him and the team.

"To find the right balance between being laconic and carefree and the intensity required can be a challenge at times, (but) there's no doubt Zaine has really found it at the moment," Beveridge said.

"That consistency for us in his role is critical to the way we play."

However, it wasn't so long ago a lack of intensity saw Cordy fall out of favour with the coach, and it took three weeks in the VFL to find the right balance.

"(My demotion) was to do with intensity and a little bit of decision-making," Cordy said.

"I needed to make faster decisions because I was too slow by one or two metres in every contest.

"I haven't looked back from then, and now I'm just trying to cement my spot in the side."

With 25 games now under his belt, Cordy and third-gamer Lewis Young form an inexperienced key defensive unit, with Dale Morris and Marcus Adams sidelined with long-term injuries.

The loss of Morris to a broken arm last week is a big blow for the Dogs, but the 20-year-old is ready to do his mentor proud by taking on more responsibility.

"Dale's been a great role model for me in my three years at the club," Cordy said.

"It was very disappointing (his injury), but knowing 'Moz' (given) they've told him he's out for six to eight weeks, but he'll be back in four. He's just a machine.

"He's someone you can rely on, and he's always been that bloke who will give 100 per cent in every game.

"If I can be half the player he is, I'll be going pretty well."

After finishing 2016 as a premiership forward, Cordy knew this season would see him return to the backline, so he spent the off-season diligently embracing Beveridge's defensive philosophies.

While he knew his intercept marking and ability to play tall or small would hold him in good stead, the right-footer identified a need to contribute more with the attacking side of his game.

"Using my left foot more has been a huge focus. I've tried to use it more as a weapon, and it's going well so far," he said.

"It really helps with ball movement, and I know 'Bevo' has been pretty happy with it, so I've got to keep that going."

And while he's looking forward to standing Daniher and Hooker in a game on which the Dogs' premiership defence could hinge, Cordy would gladly reprise his old role if needed.

"If they ever need me up forward again, I'm more than happy to do it," he said.