The Bombers' first competitive hit-out against AFL opposition is upon us.

Tonight, a red and black outfit featuring seven fresh faces will take on West Coast at Mineral Resources Park in the Marsh Community Series.

What will we be watching with the most interest? Here are the key five.

1. Exciting youngster's first outing and homecoming

With his striking name and infectious personality, Irving Mosquito has already endeared himself to the Bomber faithful, despite not having a competitive senior hit-out to his name. Tonight, however, the childhood Bombers supporter finally gets the chance to showcase his sublime skills and goal nous in the senior line-up. Best of all, he’ll do it in his home state, having grown up in Halls Creek before moving to Gippsland at the age of 12.

2. Dons' top draftee living the dream

From one boyhood Bomber to another. Harry Jones, the Bombers’ top selection in the 2019 NAB AFL Draft (No.30 overall), will achieve a childhood dream when he dons the sash tonight. In doing so, he’ll follow in the footsteps of his father Craig, who was a handy Essendon footballer himself at under-19 level. While he weighs just 75kg, Jones is an athletic beast who boasts a high leap and strong hands, impressing in last week’s practice match win over Melbourne.

3. The bull returns

Devon Smith. Back in the guts. Music to our ears. After an injury-ravaged 2019, the 2018 Crichton medallist is finally fit and firing again. Expect the tough midfielder to crack into every contest and remind us of his undisputed worth.

4. New additions to engine room

The Dons have made no secret of their desire to add a big-bodied midfielder to the mix in 2020. That looks set to come in the form of Jacob Townsend, who despite making a name for himself as a pressure forward for Richmond, has been a wrecking ball in midfield since joining the Bombers. He’ll likely be joined in the engine room by Andrew McGrath, with the 2017 NAB AFL Rising Star earmarked for more time on the ball this season.

ANALYSIS: COULD TOWNSEND BECOME BOMBERS' BULL?

5. Unsigned pair fighting for final spot

With a final position remaining on Essendon's list, unsigned pair Nigel Lockyer and Brynn Teakle have been granted the opportunity to don the sash tonight and stake their claim. Lockyer, 22, is a versatile Northern Territorian with an eye-catching leap, while West Australian Teakle played predominantly in the ruck against Melbourne last week. The Bombers have an open place on their list due to draftee Lachlan Johnson's ongoing recovery from a knee reconstruction.