John Worsfold expects the Bombers to be ready to challenge their rivals at the start of the home and away season.

The playing list features ten players returning from a year out of the game leading to questions about how the side will fare in the early rounds.

The Bombers will have a final warm-up match against Geelong this weekend before attention turns to the round one blockbuster against Hawthorn. 

“We want to be up and going from the start … we’re going to improve throughout the year as we build that chemistry and get to know each other so much better throughout the season,” Worsfold told AFL Tonight.

“The plan is to be as well prepared and ready to hit the ground running in round one.” 

The tough selection decisions have already begun for the Bombers Coach.

Worsfold has included eight senior players in the Dons 27-man squad for the game against the Cats in Bendigo.

He said he’ll be looking to pick the best possible side for round one, but will keep a close eye on the development of the younger players.

“A young player that can contribute at the same level as one of those senior players really should be getting that opportunity,” he said.

“That’s not taking away form the respect the older players have.

“That will be communicated non-stop – if we’ve got a young player knocking the door down and not getting an opportunity, and those older players are just chugging along and we know that kid can offer as much and potentially more, they need to get an opportunity.

“Initially we’ll be selecting the best team - the team we think can perform the best for the Essendon Football Club in round one and we’ll monitor that as we go.”