Q: G'day Matty, how is Yestin Eades travelling? Do you think he will play senior footy this year? Can you compare him to any other player ? Thanks – Trent 

A: Yestin has had a great pre-season. He's a very exciting run and carry, high speed player who takes the game on. Unfortunately, he has hurt his quad and has missed the last few weeks. We are building him back up now to hopefully push for selection sooner rather than later.

Q: Do you think fan initiatives..such as the 'essendon jarmy army' are a good idea to try to lift morale of supporters, and players? – Luke 

A: I love the Jarmy Army during the VFL final series. I know the players did also. The louder the better!

Q: Where are ya's looking to play leverde this year? And what position do you see him settling into in the future? -  Justin

A: We see Laverde as a forward who can push into the midfield as he builds his tank and midfield craft. There is no doubt he can be a midfielder in the future. We love his attack on the ball and ability to win one-on-one contests.

Q: Who do you think will most likely fill other main key forward position along side Joe Daniher this year? And who do you think will most likely fill the full back and centre half back positions this year? - Ben

A: There are a group of players fighting for positions in the forward line and it will be who makes the most of their opportunities. McKernan and Grimley have both signs in the NAB Challenge, but we also have Jamar and Leuenberger fighting for ruck/forward roles. 
It's a similar situation for our backline. It's been great to see Hartley, Brown and Ambrose get some opportunities in the NAB Challenge alongside more experienced players like Gwilt. Harvs and Woosha have the tough decision of picking their best mix. They all have shown great signs in different areas.

Q: G'day Matt, who in your opinion will be the most improved player this season? Thank you – Garry

A: That would be a tough question to answer, but from where Conor McKenna has come from to where he is now, the future is bright for the young Irishman.

Q: Matt how did the boys pull up after the bad heat in Shepparton, l was dying just watching them. – Adam 

A: I lost 3kg of sweat just sitting in the crowd, so imagine how the players felt! 
We had a pretty big session today in the heat and they coped fine. Another game in the heat in Perth this weekend will be good for the team's fitness and preparation for the regular season.

Q: How far away is Aaron Francis to senior selection? – Justin

A: Aaron still hasn't completed a full VFL match simulation. He has had a few niggles throughout the pre-season with his groin, so we're working hard to build his body to allow him to play a full season. He's obviously, an exceptional talent for the future.

Q: Who's going to be the captain of the Essendon VFL team this year? – Denis 

A: The list deadline is late next week so we're still working through the VFL Leadership criteria. We've lost some experienced leaders from last year, but have some very exciting young leaders coming through.

Q: How valuable were the 3 games at the end of last year that you were able to coach the side in your own development of coaching? How much has that experience helped you in your new roles this year? – Luke 

A: It was a great learning experience coaching three games. It helped me understand more about myself and my values as a coach. I coach to help the young players be the best that they can be. This for me is the same in AFL or VFL. 
I'm very excited to work with a great group of coaches and hopefully help our young players achieve their goals, as that's the most rewarding part of coaching.

Q: Hi Matty. When will we see Mason Redman light up the ground for the Dons? Saw some great highlights out of his TAC cup year. – Troy

A: Mason has had some knee issues in the pre-season and he has been in the rehab program but is very close to resuming full training and will likely play more than half of the VFL practice match against Geelong this Saturday. He's another exciting player who can play both forward or back, and with his determination, he will be an Essendon player for a long time.

Q: Hey Matty, what are the pass marks for the year from your perspective? – Adam

A: Just improvement in the players to learn to live like an AFL footballer, have greater awareness of their environment and to be a competitive hard working team orientated VFL team aligned to the AFL.

Q: Will we see Kelly & Stokes in this weeks nab challenge game?

Emma 

A: I think they will be close to selection this week. Both have been building their pre-season loads each week and both are great additions to the Club with great experience, and our young players are learning off them each day.

Q: Will the vfl play at windy hill? – Nicole

A:  Yes, we'll be playing at Windy Hill. It's our home ground.

Q: With the AFL capping its rotations. How will you adapt and develop the up and coming VFL player to the rigours of new AFL policy? – Dave

A: We''ll try to keep our rotations to under 100. But we can play a 23rd player for most games this year. It's important we keep watching the player loads each week and preparing them for an AFL game.

Q: What's the status of Matthew Leuenberger? – Phil

A: Leuey had a great hit out in our intra-club VFL match last Friday night. He is moving really freely and we should see him very soon.

Q: Been to any Wiggles concerts lately ? – Adam

A: I took the kids about two years ago. I think I danced more than they did! 
Hot potato, hot potato.

We'll see you next Tuesday at 7pm as our Game Performance Manager, Mark Neeld, stops by the Essendon Facebook to answer your questions.