Essendon Coach John Worsfold says a big crowd at the MCG for the Bombers opening match of the season against Hawthorn would further entrench the sense of unity within the Club.

The Bombers are likely to field a number of returning players, including new Captain Dyson Heppell and All-Australians Jobe Watson and Michael Hurley, in the game against the Hawks.

Before the first bounce members, fans and staff will come together to march as one to the ground.

“It is going to be special for the footy club and a special night for the guys running out,” Worsfold told AFL Tonight.

“Membership is growing rapidly, we’re already ahead of last year’s membership total. 

“If we can have a great crowd ready to rock the MCG for that first game, it’s going to really feel like we’re all back together and ready to go.”

Worsfold is entering his 14^th season as a Senior Coach and concedes the nature of the build up to this season means there are more unknowns this year, than at any other time in his previous 13 years in the role.

But the evenness of the competition has Worsfold enthused about the side’s prospects.

“I think the way the season is unfolding and how even it is, it could open up opportunities for teams like Essendon to break into the eight,” he said.

“It’s highly conceivable that we’re good enough to test out a lot of the teams and if we can win some of the close games that you end up being involved in, we’ve got to believe that is a possibility for us.”