PT, agree with others that there are plenty of great spots to sit at the new gaff. I'm up on the top deck on about the 50m line (city end) and the view of the play is great. That said, if you're coming for a one-off game, I reckon you might be better served sitting closer to the action to get the full weight of the atmosphere. As for pre-game venues, keep an eye on the 'Morgan reviews...' thread for my comprehensive reviews of pre-game venues.
I've been to Etihad a bunch of times, but I tend to just get a general admission ticket and stand at the back of the ground-level blocks.
As the Bombers game is a Saturday afternoon, for a proper West Melbourne experience I would recommend taking some time in the late morning to walk around the Queen Victoria Markets and get a bite to eat there, walk over to the Drunken Poet (which is probably my favourite Irish bar outside of Ireland) for a few pints, then take the leisurely 15 minute walk through Flagstaff Gardens down to the ground.