Essendon assistant coach Mark Harvey says fielding two ruckmen this season is a “distinct possibility” following the Bombers’ narrow nine-point loss to Carlton on Thursday.

Regular first-choice ruck Tom Bellchambers was rested for the JLT Community Series match at Ikon Park, leaving new Bomber Zac Clarke to take up his duties in his first game for the club.

The mature rookie impressed in his first-up performance, gathering 37 hit-outs, 15 disposals, four clearances and a goal to stake his claim for senior selection in round one.

Harvey said Clarke’s ability to have an impact in the forward line was an encouraging sign as the club seriously considers using a ruck duo this year.

“(Playing two rucks) is a distinct possibility. Even when Zac Clarke went forward tonight he took a mark and kicked a goal, so that’s an interesting combination in itself.

“We’re all looking at West Coast who won the premiership last year, they played two ruckmen, so we are coming to grips with that ourselves from a selection point of view.”

Star forward Joe Daniher made his long-awaited return against the Blues in his first game since round seven last year, booting the opening goal of the game before patiently finding his feet throughout the match.

Harvey was pleased with Daniher’s efforts and said natural improvement will come with more continuity and minutes on the field.

“(Given) the period of time he’s been out, I reckon it really excited Joe, the fact that he was back out there and playing with the group.

“He took a couple of good marks, looked a bit scratchy as most of our players did, went into the ruck and did a little bit, sat behind the ball at times, so it was all a bit unfamiliar to him.

“But I’m sure in time in the coming weeks you’re going to see Joe hitting his straps.”

The Bombers were well held in the middle on Thursday, something Harvey said also affected the performance of the 2017 Crichton Medalist.

“We got beaten badly in the centre square tonight, I think it was 20 to nine Carlton’s way,” he said.

“If it had have been the other way, Joe might have been coming out of the goal square and we might have seen a bit more from him, but it wasn’t to be. 

“Our forward line was starved of opportunities up until half-time.”

The Dons used a largely inexperienced on-ball brigade on Thursday, and Harvey expects more senior players to be available in the midfield for the side’s second pre-season match against Geelong next week.

“I looked up and for the majority of our first half our centre square combination was Clarke, (Andrew) McGrath, (Darcy) Parish and (Kyle) Langford.

“That is very young in itself, so we’re not too worried about what transpired tonight, it’s more about giving those guys some experience in and around those areas.

“I’m sure next week you’ll see some of our more experienced mids playing in and around that area.”

Bellchambers, dangerous forward Orazio Fantasia, tough midfielder David Myers and key-position player Cale Hooker are all expected to return to the side to face the Cats.

The first bounce is set for 7:10pm at GMHBA Stadium.

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