Essendon will return to Windy Hill for their opening match of the VFL season against Casey Scorpions on Sunday afternoon.

A mix of AFL and VFL listed players are set to make up the Bombers team against a strong Casey outfit.

Coach Hayden Skipworth said the playing group was excited ahead of the first game of the home and away season.

“It is very exciting, we have had four trial games and now we really want to get into the nuts and bolts of the season,” Skipworth said.

“We have a good mix of VFL and AFL guys playing on the weekend, last year in Round 1 we only had one VFL listed player playing in Round 1 but we will have a few more this year.”

“We will have to wait and see on the senior team and who comes up from last weekend’s game.”

Aaron Heppell, brother of AFL star Dyson will play his first official game in the red and black as the 23^rd man on Sunday.

“Aaron has been a fantastic recruit for us so far, he is going to play as the 23^rd player for us this weekend.”

“He has played three trial games and performed very well in all three of them so far.”

“We have thrown him around a bit during the pre-season playing him as a forward and midfielder during the pre-season.”

“He is similar to Dyson in that wherever you play him he performs well for us.”

Former GWS Giants pair Shaun Edwards and Kurt Aylett will also line up in their first official game for the club.

 “Shaun has been playing across half forward, half back and we have used him on the wing as well so we will continue to rotate him through those positions,” Skipworth said.

“Kurt has been doing a little bit of tagging so we will play him in that position and across half forward and half back as well.”

“It is exciting because both guys are very flexible players for us.”

The VFL coach is expecting a brutal Casey outfit to take to the field on Sunday afternoon.

“Casey are always fantastic, they finish in the eight every year and they are very tough during the home and away season.”

“The last few years they have missed out on winning finals but during the home and away season they are always one of the best teams going around.”

Bomber Shop

The Bomber Shop at Windy Hill will be open from 11am – 4pm on Sunday afternoon. Buy all your match day needs before you head off to watch the boys at the MCG.

You can also purchase a 2014 guernsey for your chance to win a signed guernsey from the entire team in our Don the Sash competition. Competition ends this Sunday at 11.55pm – click here for further details.