Essendon Coach John Worsfold says Conor McKenna will be encouraged to take the game on during his return to the senior team.
McKenna was picked for his first game of the season, alongside small forward Josh Green.
The third year player featured in the Bombers final eight games of 2016, taking his career tally to 14.
Worsfold said he’d play across half back against Adelaide on Saturday night.
“We’ve been developing him as a rebounding backman but he can also defend really tight,” Worsfold said.
“[He brings] a lot of speed and preparedness to take risks off the half back line.
“We want Conor to back himself in and use those strengths.”
Green returns for the Bombers after overcoming a hamstring injury.
He’ll provide an extra attacking option in the forward half.
The former Brisbane player’s pre-season was disrupted before Christmas but he found continuity throughout January and February.
He missed the final JLT Community Series match with a sore foot and then hurt his hamstring in the season opener against Hawthorn.
But despite some minor setbacks over the last few months, Worsfold is confident Green has done enough work to perform.
“We really monitor their workloads pretty closely and he’s ramped it up in the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“He got the all-clear from the medical staff and we had a look at his volumes and he’s ready to go.”
Adelaide is undefeated after three games this season, while the Bombers will be looking to rebound after a loss to Carlton.
“The Crows form has been outstanding, they’re carrying on what they’ve been building on the last couple of years,” Worsfold said.
“They’ve covered a couple of injuries that they’ve had and they’re still motoring along.
"They represent a wonderful challenge for us.”
The first bounce is at 7:10pm (ACST) on Saturday night.
Adelaide vs. Essendon
Saturday April 15
7:10pm (ACST)
Adelaide Oval
In: Josh Green, Conor McKenna
Out: Heath Hocking, Martin Gleeson
B: Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hurley, Andrew McGrath
HB: Mark Baguley, Mitch Brown, Brent Stanton
C: Brendon Goddard, Jobe Watson, Darcy Parish
HF: Orazio Fantasia, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer
F: Josh Green, Joe Daniher, Conor McKenna
R: Matthew Leuenberger, David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell
I: James Kelly, Zach Merrett, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Kyle Langford
E: Martin Gleeson, James Stewart, Matt Dea
