Tom Bellchambers will likely spend more time up forward this season as Essendon tries to cover the losses of Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton.

Bellchambers kicked 28 goals last season and came in second in the club's leading goalkickers, behind Crameri.

So time in the forward line is not exactly foreign to the Bombers big man, but as suggested by AFL.com.au this week a more permanent move might be necessary.

Bombers midfielder Dyson Heppell agrees with the sentiment.

"Tommy Bellchambers will probably spend a bit more time up forward. He's obviously fantastic in the ruck but he's very dangerous up forward, so he'll spend a bit of time up there for sure," Heppell said on Friday.

Crameri's departure is sure to test the Bombers' forward stocks, although fortunately they have emerging forward Joe Daniher waiting in the wings.

"Big Joey Daniher has had a fantastic pre-season, he's putting on more size, getting a lot stronger, and he's using his body a lot better," Heppell said.

The Bombers are set to launch into match simulation drills in the next few weeks as the build up to the NAB Challenge fixtures approach.

Heppell has impressed on the track following surgery on a troublesome foot in the off-season.

"I've really enjoyed this pre-season, the body's in pretty good shape and the foot's come along really well," he said.