Round one will see four new faces take the field for Essendon’s AFLW side.

Emily Gough, Amy Gaylor, Maddison Gay and Bess Keaney will all Don the Sash for the first time. 

Gough and Gaylor will pull on an AFLW guernsey for the first time in their career an exciting moment for both players who make their debut in their first season.

Gough who was drafted with pick 20 out of Sandringham in the Coates Talent League is a key forward who will look to use her presence forward of the ball.

Boasting impressive hands and strength, Gough can also be thrown into the ruck and down back, showcasing a great ability as a utility.

Gaylor joined Essendon’s AFLW list as an expansion pre-signing out of Calder in the Coates Talent League.

Touted as a highly effective contested ball winner, Gaylor also possesses strong athletic traits that will make her a dangerous prospect all over the ground.

Bomber fans will be none too surprised to see Gay and Keaney named with the pair bringing a wealth of experience to the young side.

Gay will look to slot into a growing backline after playing 54 games at Carlton and Melbourne while Keaney has showed strong form over the preseason after coming across from Gold Coast where she played 39 games.

Both were also named to the Bomber’s leadership group earlier in the pre-season and will continue to have a strong positive impact on the group on the field.

The Bombers will take the field for the first time in 2024 on Saturday, with the side facing Fremantle at Windy Hill.