Essendon's first-round draftee Aaron Francis has boosted his chances of earning an AFL debut after impressing at VFL level since overcoming a calf injury.

The 18-year-old defender accumulated 21 disposals and took nine intercept marks in the Bombers' 23-point VFL win against Richmond at Punt Road Oval on Saturday evening. 

Francis, who was recruited with pick No.6 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, spent about five weeks on the sidelines to nurse a calf tear he injured at training in April.

Essendon VFL operations manager Ash Brown told AFL.com.au on Sunday that Francis read the ball well in the air and generated plenty of drive from half-back in his second straight outing.

"(He) really played a key role down back in intercepting a lot of Richmond's advances on goal," Brown said. 

"He ended up with close to 12 marks. It was an impressive game for an 18-year-old in his second game.

"(He) provides good rebound and turns defence into attack for us, and he did that quite a number of times last night."

Coach John Worsfold acknowledged his side's lack of key defenders following a right hamstring injury to backman Michael Hartley in Essendon's 38-point loss to Richmond in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash on Saturday night 

Brown said Hartley's injury could pave the way for 190cm Francis to make his debut. 

"With an injury to Hartley and probably another week or two under Aaron's belt, he could be a chance for senior selection," he said.

"Intercept marking is one of his key strengths, he's a good user of the football out of the back half, and can break a line with his long penetrating kick." 

Worsfold ruled out Hartley for at least the next fortnight, but the full extent of the hamstring setback will be known following the result of scans.