Essendon defender Marty Gleeson is backing the suspension-ravaged Bombers to make a positive impact in 2016.
The Koroit export – one of three south-west-raised players on the Bombers’ list – expects the club to rally and cause surprises under new coach John Worsfold.
Essendon will unveil its new-look side in its NAB Challenge opener against Carlton at Ikon Park on Sunday.
Gleeson, 21, said the Bombers’ top-up players, including Geelong premiership duo James Kelly and Mathew Stokes and Fremantle best-and-fairest winner Ryan Crowley, would help cover the loss of their 12 Court of Arbitration for Sport-banned players.
“They’ll have to earn their spots like everyone else, but they’ve all kept themselves in reasonable shape and come round one everyone will put their hand up for selection,” he said.
“There is still a lot to get out of the year.
“We’ll try and be competitive every week.
“We’ve got a new coach and a new game plan and if we stick to that it will hold us in good stead.”
Gleeson said the unusual circumstances gave him a chance to fast-track his progress, on and off the field.
The fourth-year Bomber played all 22 matches in 2015 as a rebounding defender.
He expects to play across half-back and on a wing under Worsfold.
“A lot of the guys (who are suspended) are senior members and in leadership roles, so it’s a good opportunity to cement a spot, take on lead- ership roles and develop my game,” Gleeson said.
“It’s the biggest pre-season since I have been here in terms of how far we’ve covered and the intensity.
“It’s been an extension on what we’ve done in previous years.
“We’ve got a different game plan we’re working towards and we’ve done a bit more footy stuff this pre-season.”
Cobden brothers Jackson and Zach Merrett joined Gleeson in the Bombers’ squad for their pre-season opener against the Blues when it was was announced on Thursday.
Gleeson said the Hampden league pair was ready to make an impact in 2016.
“They’ve had awesome pre-seasons – both have hardly missed a session,” he said.
Gleeson will keep a close eye on Koroit as it strives for a hat-trick of premierships.
He believes ex-North Ballarat Roosters forward Marcus Darmody and former Adelaide Crow Tim McIntyre, who is recovering from an ACL injury, will bolster an already dominant Saints’ line-up.
