Senior coach John Worsfold says new Essendon pair Tom Cutler and Jacob Townsend will provide valuable versatility for the side in the Bombers’ clash with Fremantle on Saturday.

The experienced recruits will make their first AFL appearance in the red and black against the Dockers after impressing throughout the pre-season and Worsfold said he is excited to unleash them at Marvel Stadium.

“It’s wonderful for them, they’ve both been outstanding since they arrived at the club,” Worsfold said on Thursday.

“Tom Cutler has got great running ability and reads the game pretty well, so we see him being able to play across half-back or on a wing for us, so it gives us a bit of versatility as well.

“Jacob Townsend, again, is a versatile player; he can go through the midfield and he can put a lot of pressure on and take marks up forward, which he showed against Geelong in Colac where he hit the scoreboard a few times.”

The line-up has received a big experience boost with forward Jake Stringer and ruck Tom Bellchambers named in the side despite missing out on the club’s two Marsh Community Series victories.

Stringer first took part in Essendon’s VFL practice match rather than the club’s AFL hit-out against West Coast before missing the win over the Cats due to personal reasons, while Bellchambers was on the sidelines recovering from minor knee surgery.

Worsfold praised the pair said he is confident both can hit the ground running on the big stage on Saturday.

“Stringer’s had an outstanding pre-season other than just missing those games. He hasn’t missed a training session, so he’s ready to go.

“‘T-Bell’ has had a couple of big sessions over the last fortnight that have been well above what he’ll face going into round one, so really feel he’s physically ready to go.”

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Worsfold has been no stranger to unique challenges throughout his career in football and recent events have presented him with another bizarre situation.

And while he admitted the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has been unsettling, he said strong communication has ensured the Bombers will enter the important game with a clear and focused mindset.

“It’s always a challenge; there is so much uncertainty and anxiety around what’s happening and are we doing the right thing as a profession and a sporting group?

“There have been all sorts of questions asked – the biggest thing has been our communication around any questions you want answered, we will fill you in as much as we can with all of the knowledge that we’ve been able to gather.

“And letting them know it’s okay to feel anxious, that it’s an awkward time and you should communicate if you’re feeling uncertain about things and people should be able to give you the answers you need.

“We believe (going ahead with the season) is going to be a strong contributor to helping the community get through this really hard, tough period. We can play a small role to assisting that without putting anyone at any risk at all.” 

Restrictions have determined the club’s passionate fans won’t be able to watch the Dons live at Marvel Stadium, but Worsfold knows the side will still have the unwavering support of the red and black army.

“We’re going to miss them, for sure, it will be so different not having our unbelievable loyal supporters there alongside us.

“But we know that they’ll be watching and we will be trying to tap into that energy that they normally bring.

“We’re there to put on a show and represent the Essendon Football Club, so we want to make them proud of us.”

Worsfold is expecting another tough contest against the Dockers, who will be led by two-time Brownlow winner Nat Fyfe.

But the experienced coach believes his team can display its pre-season improvements to kick the season off positively.

“They have a talented list and a young list that’s been aiming to really climb the ladder over the last couple of years.

“They’ll be excited about a new season starting, so we know they’re going to bring energy. They’ve got some real talent there led by Fyfe, obviously.

“We just know it will be a tough game – I don’t think I’ve ever been involved in an easy game. So it will be tough, but we’re there to put our stuff on show, all of the work that we’ve done, try and put our absolute best foot forward and the rest will take care of itself.”

The first bounce is set for 2:10pm.