Essendon big man Steven Alessio was today dumped from the Bomber line-up to make way for first-gamer Aaron Henneman.

Henneman has been rewarded for his consistency in the reserves this season where he has played at full back.

Alessio has spent the majority of the season as a permanent forward for the Bombers with John Barnes assuming the ruck duties.

But Alessio's mis-fortune is Henneman's good fortune and the former Murray Bushranger has been named on the bench.

Henneman showed he would make the grade during the Ansett Cup competition when he played extremely well at full back.

But the selection panel made him wait despite the Ansett Cup success and he has had to be patient in the reserves for nine rounds before getting his chance.

"Aaron is a very athletic player who showed during the Ansett Cup he could handle playing at this level," Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said.

"He runs very well and is a good size - he has been given a chance and one that he has certainly earned."