Brent Stanton says he’s excited by the list Essendon is building on the eve of the 2017 season.

The Bombers veteran played his first game of the year against Gold Coast in the JLT Community Series on Sunday.

Stanton showed no ill effects from his extended lay off, as he picked up 21 possessions in a new role across half-back.

“There were a fair few nerves ... and it took me a little bit just to get focused and ready to go,” he said.

“But once that first minute was over it was a game as per normal … once you’re in the moment you don’t really think about it, so it was good.

“We were under the pump early in the backline, so that probably helped a little bit to settle the nerves.”

The Bombers jumped to an early lead, but dominance around the clearances allowed the Suns to take control.

The battle around the stoppages was more even in the second half and the Dons hit the front in the last term before the Suns responded, eventually getting home by three points.

“We’ve got a lot to improve on in the next couple of weeks leading into round one, but it’s exciting at the same time,” Stanton said.

“We were able to turn a poor first half into a reasonable second half." 

Essendon fielded four players from last November’s National Draft.

Josh Begley was the standout with four goals, but Andrew McGrath (16 possessions), Dylan Clarke (11 possessions) and Jordan Ridley (10 possessions) also gained valuable experience. 

“They’ve been given the opportunity pretty early in their career and it’s great to expose them so early,” Stanton said.

“Younger players that come into this system now are so well prepared.

"These guys are so well prepared at listening and learning and applying what the older guys and the coaches are trying to teach them.
“We didn’t have any drama about putting them in today.” 

Stanton said the depth on the Essendon list in 2017 is cause for optimism. 

“It’s an exciting list and that’s probably the reason why most of the guys decided to stick around with this Football Club,” he said.

“There is a great mix of senior players and youth.

“We’re not putting a limit on where we can go and I think that’s the most exciting part.

“We’re looking to improve week after week and I’m sure there will be challenges throughout the year … but it’s pretty exciting.”