Essendon senior coach Ben Rutten spoke to the media via Zoom on Friday ahead of the Bombers' clash with Hawthorn at UTAS Stadium on Sunday.

Here are the five key takeaways from Rutten's media conference.

1. Dons wrap arms around Francis

The Bombers have thrown their support behind young defender Aaron Francis, who has returned home to South Australia as he deals with mental health issues.

Rutten said the club will do whatever it can to help the 23-year-old manage his mental health and provide whatever support which was necessary.

"Franc's' going pretty well. He won't play this week due to personal reasons," Rutten said.

"He's hopefully going to return to the club next week, that's the plan.

"We're certainly very much supportive of Aaron and his journey through his mental health stuff.

"I think that's something he's really leading from example with that - his openness and honesty.

2. Merrett re-signing ‘pleasing’

A day after star midfielder Zach Merrett recommitted to the Dons for a further six years, Rutten was visually pleased his two-time Crichton medallist would remain in the red and black until 2027.

After being hotly courted by rival clubs as a restricted free agent at the end of this season, Merrett put pen to paper on Thursday, signalling the new and positive direction the club was heading in under Rutten as a major reason for staying.

Rutten said he was confident Merrett would remain a Bomber throughout the process, complementing the 25-year-old’s professionalism while working through his decision.

“We’re really pleased to see that Zach has decided to ultimately finish his career at the footy club,” Rutten said.

“He joins a list of guys who have recently been recommitting to the footy club which is really good for us and the group moving forward.

“We’ve been confident (he would re-sign) from what we’ve seen and Zach’s behaviours around the footy club has been first class, so that’s always given me a level of confidence that he’s really invested in the club and the group.”

3. Rutten hopeful on Parish signature

With one premium midfielder now locked away, Dons fans will be keen to ensure another young gun follows suit to recommit to the red and black.

Darcy Parish is enjoying a breakout season as an inside mid, claiming best-afield honours in Essendon’s Anzac Day and Dreamtime blockbusters, while also achieving a club-record feat of most disposals in a match (44, round 12).

While he didn’t give much away, Rutten said initial signs were positive the 23-year-old would sign on with the Bombers.

“We’re obviously looking for Darcy to re-sign and recommit to the footy club,” Rutten said.

“We’re really confident in how that’s tracking and that’ll play out.”

4. Dons looking forward to Tassie trip

It’ll be the first time since 1992, when Essendon faced Fitzroy at North Hobart Oval, that the famous red sash has graced an oval on the Apple Isle for AFL premiership points.

While conceding disappointment in not being able to play in front of the Victorian Bomber faithful for the third match in a row, Rutten said his players would embrace the trip south to a traditional football state in Tasmania.

“It’s been a while since the club has played down there in Tasmania,” Rutten said.

“It’ll be good to get down there. It’s kind of becoming the new normal for us in the AFL world (to travel to rescheduled interstate games).

“We’d obviously love to be playing in front of our Melbourne supporters, but to get down to Tasmania, we look forward to it and it’s a great place to play footy.

5. Embracing the Hawks’ advantage

While the Dons will have to accustom themselves to Launceston, their opposition in Hawthorn will enjoy an unscheduled trip to their fortress away from home.

Since 2001, the Hawks have moved several home games a year to UTAS Stadium and played 66 times, achieving a 75 per cent winning record (50 wins, 15 losses and a draw).

The imposing stat has been noted by the Dons, yet Rutten said the unfamiliar surroundings and Hawthorn’s previous dominance will be another exciting challenge for his young brigade.

“They’ll certainly have an advantage because it’s much more familiar surroundings for them,” Rutten said.

“We’re really looking forward to it. To get into a new environment and prepare and perform like we always want to do is another opportunity for us to experience something slightly different.”