Addressing the media as Essendon’s list officially returned to training on Monday, Archie Perkins made it clear which player had come back in the best form after the break.

“You’re looking right at him,” Perkins said with an arm wrapped around young gun Massimo D’Ambrosio.

After being selected with Essendon’s first mid-season draft pick in 2021, D’Ambrosio was a shining light for the Bombers over his eight games last season.

Recruited from Point Cook Juniors and Richmond’s VFL program, he burst onto the AFL scene with a Round 14 debut against the Saints, where his burst of pace and defensive instincts were on display.

Impressing with his poise and efficient kicking off half back, D’Ambrosio was nominated for the 2021 NAB Rising Star Award after a 23-disposal effort against Sydney in Round 16.

Now entering his first full pre-season as an AFL-listed player, D’Ambrosio said new senior coach Brad Scott’s outlook for him was clear after spending time at both ends of the ground in his first year.

“The consensus at the end of last season was to come back really fit and ready to play anywhere, so I’m open to playing wherever Brad needs me. I think we’ll get deeper into [discussions about] that later on,” D’Ambrosio said.

“I just need a pre-season. Heading into the back end of games at AFL level, I felt a bit unfit, so I think a full pre-season will get me going to hopefully play a few more games this year.”

Fan favourite Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti was also among the returning faces for the Dons this week, in more exciting news for the club.

Initially retiring just prior to his arrival at the club last season, D’Ambrosio was keen to finally meet the exciting forward.

“He’s loved by everyone,” D’Ambrosio said.

“I met him last week and he’s such a great guy, it’s just good to have him back.”