Number one draft pick Andrew McGrath is in the mix to make a round one debut, but Essendon coach John Worsfold has stopped short of guaranteeing him a game in the season opener against Hawthorn.
The 18-year-old was quiet in the final JLT Community Series game against Geelong, picking up just seven disposals but he has had an impressive pre-season.
He looks a natural footballer, with balance and class on both sides of his body and picked up 16 touches against Gold Coast after gathering nine touches in the opening game against Collingwood.
"He's in that mix [for selection], definitely," Worsfold said on Sunday.
"We had Matt Dea and Michael Hartley sitting out today so they are both well and truly in the mix as well."
Dea played 21 games in 2016 to revive his AFL career after joining the club as a top-up player and fills a similar role to McGrath, while Hartley is a tall defender.
Essendon is understood to be weighing up whether McGrath can maintain the intensity required from the first to the last contest in what is expected to be a hot cladh against the Hawks.
The Hawks also have a forward line containing Cyril Rioli, Paul Puopolo and Luke Breust, so there will be no respite for McGrath if he does make his debut at the MCG on a Saturday night in a fortnight's time.
Worsfold has been pleased with McGrath but understands it's a long season for first-year players, who rarely play 22 games in their first season.
He also knows he has options in defence with Mark Baguley, Martin Gleeson and James Kelly capable of playing on talls and smalls.
"That is certainly one area where we have got a bit of depth at the moment," Worsfold said.
Just 11 of the 30 players chosen at number one before McGrath earned the honour have made their debut in round one of their first season.
Luke Hodge, Brendon Goddard and Nick Riewoldt are among the former number one picks not to make their debut in round one, while in recent times Jacob Weitering, Lachie Whitfield and Tom Scully have played in round one.
McGrath is Essendon's first number one pick.
