The cool, unflustered approach that made Matthew Egan an All-Australian defender is also the style the former Geelong player looks to apply to his coaching.

Egan will take on the senior coaching role for the first time today as the Bombers play Gold Coast.

“I’m really excited, I don’t feel too nervous,” Egan said.

“I’m sure during the game I probably will be.

“I’m a pretty calm person so I‘m going to try to remain calm and keep the coaches box just trying to help the players.

“Our job is to give the players the best opportunity to win.”

The Bombers and the Suns have just one win between them in the last five weeks as both sides deal with lengthy injury lists.

“They’ve had a lot of injuries and obviously to some key players,” Egan said.

“They’ve still got a lot of talent in their team.  Their forward line with (Tom) Lynch – he’s in career best form.

“They’re going to be really tough and we’ll see how we go.”

Michael Hurley returns for Essendon and could line up on Lynch who has kicked 37 goals this season. 

The Bombers have also recalled Patrick Ambrose, Nick O’Brien, Shaun McKernan and Orazio Fantasia.