ESSENDON'S small forward problems might be a thing of the past after the Bombers' little men lit up their match simulation against Gold Coast on Thursday.

After battling to find a regular small forward set-up last season, new Essendon coach Brad Scott now has an array of options, with Jye Menzie franking a terrific pre-season with a three-goal outing.

Menzie, a mid-season draftee from 2022, was in everything, not only bobbing up with some clever finishing, but giving off a goal for Patrick Voss and applying a ton of pressure.

Alwyn Davey jnr impressed in his first game in club colours, kicking a goal and looking busy all game, while the returning Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti showed flashes of his best with one brilliantly roved left-foot goal.

Essendon's ability to lock the ball inside its forward 50 was a standout feature.

Both teams were missing a handful of regular players but, in blustery conditions that made ball movement difficult, put on an entertaining contest.

Essendon won 11.14 (80) to 11.9 (75) in a match that included five periods of play.

Sam Draper made a big impact when he came on during the third period, while new skipper Zach Merrett racked up a mountain of disposals.

Former Melbourne forward Sam Weideman kicked an early goal and presented well in Essendon's forward line.

YOUNG GUNS
Menzie was superb for Essendon and would be hard to overlook for the opening round. Davey showed flashes of brilliance throughout the day, while Voss made a big impact when he came on to the field late in the day, kicking a goal and taking one spectacular mark going back with the flight of the ball. Tex Wanganeen kicked a lovely set shot into the wind late in the match.

SWITCHING POSITIONS
Essendon decided to play 193cm Kaine Baldwin in defence. Baldwin was matched up against Levi Casboult and Mabior Chol at various times and did a good job. 

INJURY WATCH
No major concerns for either team, although Essendon ruckman Nick Bryan left the field after the final siren with his ankle iced up. The Bombers were missing half a dozen of their best players, including Jake Stringer, Nik Cox, Matt Guelfi and No.5 draft pick Elijah Tsatas, while the Suns were without Touk Miller, Brandon Ellis, Sam Collins, Lachie Weller and Wil Powell.

FANTASY TEMPTERS
Could this be the year for Sam Draper (RUC, $524,000) on what is a tricky ruck line? The Bomber took over in the third period, helping Essendon to a dominant term. With question marks around most of the other rucks this pre-season, perhaps Draper can take a big step after averaging 59.2 last year.