The young players on display today for the Bombers are reason for excitement according to Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell.

The team is missing several key players through injury including Jobe Watson, Jake Carlisle, Tom Bellchambers and Adam Cooney. 

In the absence of Watson, Dyson Heppell will Captain the club. 

“Out of this challenge comes a great opportunity,” Campbell said.

“Today we will see the future of the Essendon Football Club.

The team will be led by Dyson Heppell who despite his youth, is an outstanding role model.”

The Bombers will field 12 players with less than 40 games experience including Jayden Laverde who will make his debut.

“An Essendon supporter from birth, today he pulls on the Essendon Guernsey for the first time, a fantastic honour and there’s no better place to do it than the MCG,” Campbell said.

Alex Browne will play his first game in more than two years after some excellent VFL form.

“They are hungry for the opportunity and accept the challenge they have before them,” Campbell said.