Essendon’s defensive depth has been evident at the selection table throughout the first three weeks of the season.

Michael Hartley and Matt Dea, key pillars in the backline in 2016, have found themselves battling for a spot in the side.

The return of Michael Hurley and Brent Stanton, the recruitment of Andrew McGrath and the form of players including James Kelly has led to a squeeze for spots in the senior side.

Senior coach John Worsfold told Bomber Radio it was Hartley’s attacking game, rather than any defensive efforts that led to him being left out last week.

“Michael was left out because we really want him to develop is attacking game,” Worsfold said. 

“We started to see some signs of it, but nowhere near the level that we want it to get to. 

“We felt for him to really be brave and develop that and take more risks, he can do that at the VFL level.”

In 2016, Hartley broke the Club record for most one percenters in a season with 185.

Kyle Hardingham, who in 2011 had 157 one percenters was the previous best. 

Hartley played in the last practice match with Essendon VFL and picked up 22 disposals and laid four tackles. 

“We think he has got a bright future for us,” Worsfold said.

“So what we are trying to do is get him up to the player we think he is going to be and that we need him to be for the Essendon Football Club to be a great team.”