White says the fact both teams are showing improved form after finishing in the bottom three in 2010 will add to the excitement at the MCG.
"It's one of the games that we really look forward to," he said.
"It's celebrating indigenous culture that we're trying to bring through the club.
"It's going to be great to get 90,000 people there to cheer us on.
"It makes it a lot better that both sides are on the up and up."
The Bombers under new coach James Hird have soared to third on the ladder after eight rounds with Richmond in 10th spot following last week's loss to Western Bulldogs.
"It's going to be a good clash between two big sides of Melbourne," White said.
White says the Bombers boasted a strong line-up despite having injured skipper Jobe Watson and suspended midfielder Heath Hocking on the sidelines.
"You can't underestimate Essendon at the moment," he said.
"There are two big players who are coming out of their side but they've got guys like (Brent) Prismall to come back in and he has shown form over the last few weeks at VFL level."
Former Tigers player Phil Egan says the death last Christmas of Richmond's 1982 Norm Smith medallist Maurice Rioli will add to the significance of the match, which is designed to celebrate indigenous culture.
"I remember sitting at a press conference and doing the same thing seven years ago with Michael (Long) and myself and there were probably three pressmen there and it has grown and developed," Egan said.
"We know that in our community there are kids going to bed with their football gear on on Monday night looking forward to running out on the MCG on Saturday night.
"It means a lot to our community right across the state."
- AAP
Tags: sport, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000
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