Andrew Welsh is set to play his first senior game for 2008 for Essendon this week should he make it through training on Thursday. The selection comes as a relief for Welsh who suffered a hamstring injury leading into the season.

"It is just really good to be back playing again," Welsh said.

"It was frustrating to be left out of the side after a couple of hamstring injuries at the start of the season, so it will be good to just get out there and hopefully get a win up."

"It's definitely hard having to sit in the crowd, particularly given the young and exciting team we have at the moment. But it is good to see the hard work that everyone has been putting in has been paying off."

"Hopefully I can get out there this week and start contributing to the positive on-field results."

After producing a couple of strong performances for the Bendigo Bombers - including kicking five goals in a half -Welsh will be a welcomed addition to the Essendon forward line who have performed well despite the absence of Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas.

"I think it will benefit the team by having another leading forward in attack," Welsh said.

"My ability to play up forward is something that I have been working on at the end of last year and over the preseason this year."

"I don't think my performance was too bad over the NAB Cup and hopefully this week I can help Nathan Lovett-Murray and Adam McPhee with the forward line and try to snag a few."

A member of Essendon's leadership group, Welsh is willing to do all he can to lead by example as some of the side’s more experienced players are forced to look on from the sidelines.

"I think regardless of whether players are in the leadership group or not, all of the guys have stepped up this season," Welsh said.

"I feel that I have elements that I can contribute as a player but also as one of the leaders around the club with such a young group of players. To be able to come back in and add to those guys and to help those guys grow in certain areas is something I am hoping to do."

Welsh rates the chances of the Bombers this week, despite being narrowly defeated by St Kilda in the NAB Cup semi-final.

"We are definitely real contenders this week," Welsh said.

"I think even last week with the Western Bulldogs, had we not suffered the injuries in the last quarter, we would have most likely run away with that game."

"That being said, St Kilda is a good side. They move the ball well and they have a well set up forward line."

"They are going to be a tough side to beat and we are just going to have to have all our guys playing to our structures because the only way we are going to win games is by sticking to our team set-ups."