Essendon’s match committee will have some selection headaches when they meet to discuss the make-up of the side’s defence.

Unlike the JLT Community Series where teams have extended numbers on the bench, for the home and away season it’ll be back to the standard 22 players.

Breaking that down further – most sides usually field seven defenders (six on the ground, one rotating on the bench) in their final line-up.

So keep that in mind when you’re trying to pick your ‘Best 22’.

Crichton Medal runner-up James Kelly, 2016's Most Courageous player Matt Dea and the resilient Michael Hartley were some of the finds of last year.

The trio will be joined in the defensive mix by returning All-Australian defender Michael Hurley.

Martin Gleeson has established himself as a regular in the defence. He’s played 42 games in the last two years, while Conor McKenna played the final eight matches last season.

Mitch Brown offers flexibility with his ability to also play in the forward line, while Patrick Ambrose's move to defence proved a masterstroke in 2016.

Brent Stanton, Jackson Merrett and Heath Hocking – more commonly known for their midfield exploits – have spent time in defence over the pre-season and Mark Baguley has been a rock in the backline for a number of years.

Brendon Goddard has also played some of the best football of his career in defence.

Then there is also the little matter of the number one draft pick, Andrew McGrath, to consider when you’re trying to pick your ‘Best 22’.

Don’t forget there is a signed jumper up for grabs.