For a first up match, it doesn’t get much tougher for a ruckman.

A rain soaked MCG, a tough opponent and a game that went down to the wire.

But Matthew Leuenberger said he has recovered well from his first game of the season and is now ready to lead the midfield group against Adelaide.

“I actually had a really solid hit out the week before, when the guys played in Brisbane, and got through that no worries,” he said.

“Yeah pulled up well, had no issues with the hammy.”

For Leuenberger and Essendon, the attention now turns to getting back on the winners list against Adelaide.

The Crows are sitting on top of the ladder and are one of the highest scoring teams so far this season.

“They’re in great nick, obviously we all watch our footy so we are well aware of how they have been going,” Leuenberger said.

“It will be a great challenge for us.”

Leuenberger will line up against Sam Jacobs, who currently sits fourth for hit-outs this season.

“I’ve been playing against him for many years now and I’ve got a lot respect for him and the way he is as a player,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of playing the Crows, then also playing Sam Jacobs.”

The Bombers will have the option of including a second ruckman for the trip to Adelaide.

Tom Bellchambers has played four VFL practice matches and could give the Bombers an extra marking option in attack.

“He’s going really well. I didn’t get a chance to see how he went on the weekend but I think he’s fit and eligible for senior selection now,” he said.

“This is probably the first week where all of our rucks have been fit and eligible.

“I’m not really too sure what they’re thinking, match committee wise, whether they play the two of us or not. We will get a bit of an indication this afternoon where that all sits, and go from there.”