Essendon ruckman David Hille has declared himself a realistic chance to be available for the club’s Round 1 blockbuster against Geelong.

“Two months ago I wouldn’t have said I would be playing Round 1 but I guess with each training session you become more confident.

“I guess at this stage I would see myself as a realistic chance to play.”

Relieved to have come through the practice match unscathed, the 201cm ruckman says his body is feeling better than expected but concedes he is still not where he wants to be in terms of performance.

“I didn’t expect too much from the first game but was obviously glad to get through it,” Hille said.

“There is obviously a long way to go in terms of performance and the level I want to get to but I’m on track.

Coach Matthew Knights has indicated that the 2008 Crichton medallist will share rucking duties with 21-year-old Patrick Ryder this season, with the Bombers' big men expected to alternate between time in attack.

Hille, who spent time up forward and in the ruck during the intra-club, said he hopes the duo can form a ruck combination that will create headaches for opposition sides in 2010.

“The plan this year was always to have a more balanced role between playing forward and playing in the ruck,” he said.

“I had spoken to Knights and the coaches earlier in the week and the plan during the intra-club was always to spend 50 percent of my game-time in the ruck and 50 percent forward which is what I ended up doing.

“I think I am of more value in the ruck but Paddy presents another option for us so I won’t play full matches in the ruck anymore.

“I guess Paddy and I working together can form a dangerous combination that can unsettle opposition teams - I think we can form a formidable combination which can impose ourselves on the competition.”