Essendon’s ruck stocks could not be stronger heading into the 2013 season with Tom Bellchambers, David Hille and Paddy Ryder all impressing during the round one NAB Cup matches.

With three ruckman on the club’s list this season coach James Hird is expecting big things from 202cm Bellchambers.

“There is no doubt Tom is starting to mature and is ready to have a break out season that is what we hope,” Hird said.

 “He has been working really well on his contested marking and positioning,

“We have got three options there with Paddy, Tom and also David Hille. While Joe Daniher is coming on and I think our ruck stocks are really well positioned.”

Defender Tayte Pears also impressed his coach after completing his first pre-season since being recruited in 2008.

“Tayte has had a great pre-season, I should say his best pre-season because he has never done one before,” Hird said.

“In the whole time he has been at the footy club it is the only one he has done, he has trained for four months and missed probably only two sessions in the whole four months.”

“Unfortunately Tayte has had some fairly significant injuries over the last two years and he has needed some continuity and consistency in his training and he has got that.”

Hird said he was pleased with the way Pears played after he finished with 11 disposals and 5 marks.

“I thought he won the ball really well, he turned it over a couple of times but I am very happy with the way Tayte played,” Hird said.

“Also I thought Jake Carlisle unfortunately gave away that free kick at the end but some of his competitive work was terrific.”

Captain Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis, Jason Winderlich and Ben Howlett are all in line to play for the Bombers round 2 NAB Cup match against Richmond in Wangaratta on March 1.