Matthew Knights is dangling the carrot ahead of the club’s round one opener against Geelong, telling players only the most committed will be selected – regardless of age or experience.

Only weeks out from the season, the coach said all players are currently on a level playing field and has not ruled out the possibility of a number of round one debuts.

“One of our philosophies at the club is that the game doesn’t know how old you are or how young you are,” Knights said at this morning's closed training session.

“If a player can be the best player for a particular role for the Essendon Football Club then come round one against Geelong, he will get the gig.

“You have to be open minded about that because it ensures healthy competition among your list for spots and the last thing you want is for players to believe that they are walk up starts to play AFL football. That is not reality in football and that is not reality in life. You just have to keep working to get your spot.”

Essendon’s injury list is looking healthier than ever and while it may cause some headaches at the selection table, Knights is looking forward to making some tough decisions.

A number of first year players are expected to be in contention for a berth in the NAB Cup opener in Perth with the selection committee also set to consider the club’s mature-age rookies.

“At this time of the year as a coach you would like to have as many players available as possible and that is certainly the case this year with only four players still on modified programs,” Knights said.

“I will never put a ceiling on players like Jake Melksham or Travis Colyer or Anthony Long or even some of our rookies.

“We also have a number of mature age rookies with young Hardingham from Perth and Mariglinani from Frankston so we will certainly canvas that and if they are ready to play then I’m quite happy to play two or three first-year players in the first round if they are the right people to pick.”
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Knights dismissed fears that Michael Hurley was favouring his right hand at training today following hand surgery last year, suggesting a jarred wrist from a knock at training on Monday was to blame.

The coach also said the club’s number one ruckman David Hille was on track to make a possible round one return.

“We will play David when he is ready,” Knights said.

“It will be 11 months (since his injury at round one) and we have to make a decision along with the club’s medical and fitness staff.

“If he is not ready for round one, he will not be too long after that. He is probably a round one to four return.”

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