Essendon VFL Coach Paul Corrigan just wants Jordan Ridley to ‘enjoy his first game back’ when the 18 year old returns for the Bombers against North Ballarat at Windy Hill on Saturday.
The number 22 draft pick played one match in the JLT Community Series before spending the next three months on the sideline with a back injury.
Ridley has built up his training program in recent weeks and is expected to line up in defence on Saturday.
“I’m really looking forward to ‘Rids’ playing his first game,” Corrigan said.
“Obviously he’s worked hard, he had that set back with his back.
“With ‘Rids’ this game is more about him just getting through it and enjoying it, and just being back in that team environment.
“He will play a key role for us down back but use the ball really well, so we will look to get the ball in his hands.
“I’m just looking for him just to get out there and enjoy his first game back.”
Matthew Leuenberger will line up for the VFL side on Saturday and Corrigan expects him to have a strong presence on the field.
The ruckman has played six games in the senior side but missed last week with illness.
That opened the door for Tom Bellchambers who did enough to keep his spot in the side.
“We’re looking for ‘Leuey’ just to work hard and give us that first use in the ruck and around the ground,” Corrigan said.
“When the ball is out of the area, getting up and marking strong and if he goes forward at times hopefully he can bring a contest, mark a few and hopefully hit the scoreboard as well.”
Another inclusion for the Bombers is key defender James Ferry who missed the Dreamtime game to represent Victoria in the annual State Game.
He picked up 12 disposals and pulled down five marks for Victoria and will be a welcome addition for the Bombers defence.
“’Fez’ has been an integral part of that backline this year, he’s a key position player for us,” he said.
“I thought his performances before the State Game were terrific. It will be really good to have him back there this week.
“He’s been in good form, hopefully he can continue that for the rest of the year.”
Brent Stanton, Martin Gleeson and Ben Howlett will all travel to Sydney to play GWS, after being selected in the senior side.
Corrigan said some younger players would have the opportunity to step up.
“We have a lot of backs down there with (Ben) McNiece and (Mason) Redman and obviously Ferry comes back into that mould as well,” Corrigan said.
“Jacko Merrett is there also, (Alex) Morgan who has been showing potential there – so all those guys can fill that void that has been left by Gleeson and Stanton.
“I think some of the young guys up forward – (Josh) Begley and (Aaron) Francis can help out with what Howlett brings to our forward line and then the inside mids will do the same also.”
North Ballarat has opened the season with six straight losses and sit at the bottom of the ladder.
But Corrigan is taking nothing for granted.
“They’ve shown in a few of their games that they’ve challenged a lot of sides so we’re looking for a real contest especially around stoppages,” he said.
“We know that that’s what they pride themselves on.
“Hopefully we can take control of the stoppages and look to move the ball really well on the weekend and hopefully kick a winning score.”
The Bombers will be looking to claim their fourth win of the season to consolidate their spot in the top eight.
