As many as five baby Bombers and one veteran recruit are expected to play their first Anzac Day games this Sunday at the MCG.
Youngsters Jake Melksham and Travis Colyer are almost certain to retain their spot for their third career game while Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker and Scott Gumbleton are also considered a very good chance to make their Anzac Day debut.
Veteran forward Mark Williams is also in-line to play in the blockbuster for the first time.
General manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said a 25-man Anzac Day squad would be confirmed on this website at 4:35pm tomorrow (Thursday) but that a big portion of the team would be first timers.
""Every Essendon player wants to be part in the Anzac Day clash because it is such an important event to recognise our service men and women,"" Hamilton said.
""If those six players make the final team they will never forget the first time they played in this great game but they will only be selected if we have full confidence they can get the job done.""
Melksham, Colyer and other members of the Jack Jones Academy today visited The Shrine in Melbourne to learn more about Australia's war history.
""Today's visit was a real eye opener - I had never been inside The Shrine,"" Melksham said
""It has an excellent display about the men and women who fought in war and makes you realise how significant is for our country.""
Melksham said he has a family connection to war and had seen war photos of his great grand father but wanted to learn more.
""I am going to go and see my grand parents before this weekend's game and get them to explain more about it to me,"" he said.
""I am pretty excited about the opportunity to play in such a big game and infront of a huge crowd - especially against such a major rival like Collingwood.
""It's definately going to be daunting as we wait to play the game and the significance of the day does add a little extra pressure.""
Academy coach Adrian Hickmott said it is important for the young players to learn, and better understand, the reason behind the game.
""Twenty past Essendon players have been killed in action and hundreds of past Bombers have represented our country in battle,"" he said.
""Essendon is proud to be part of the Anzac Day clash and we have a responsibility to make sure we educate our young players about it.""
Fan Update: Watch the Essendon squad train for 45mins at 10am Saturday, 24th April at Windy Hill in the lead-up to Sunday's big ANZAC Day blockbuster.
There will also be an opportunity to purchase the latest Essendon merchandise, visit the Hall of Fame or sign up as a 2010 member.
