Essendon spearhead Joe Daniher has taken a big stride in his bid to be fit for round one after joining in match simulation training.

The Bombers' star goalkicker has had an off-season marred by the ongoing struggles with the osteitis pubis issue that saw him miss most of last year.

However, in a main session for the club at its Tullamarine headquarters on Wednesday, Daniher featured in match practice playing as deep forward.

Matched up by All Australian defender Michael Hurley, Daniher moved freely, ran strongly at the ball, jumped at marks and also took part in a ruck contest.

Although the hitout wasn't a full-scale intra-club match, the short stint was a positive sign for the 24-year-old after spending the majority of the summer on the sidelines and training away from the main group.

Joe Daniher contests a ruck duel with Sam Draper during Wednesday training. (Photo: Essendon Football Club)

Essendon opens its home-and-away season against Greater Western Sydney and will be keen to have the 2017 best-and-fairest winner in attack when it travels to the Sydney Showground Stadium for the contest on March 24.

He also did some goalkicking practice during the session under Melbourne's scorching sun, showing a refined approach at goal.

After his initial match conditioning, Daniher moved to Essendon's other oval, joining the players in its rehab group for further running and skills work.

In further good news for the Bombers, gun midfielder Zach Merrett was out of a moonboot and walking laps less than two weeks after his ankle scare.