ESSENDON skipper Dyson Heppell has backed No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath to be ready to perform in front of a huge crowd on Saturday night if the defender is chosen for his senior debut.
The Bombers' first ever opening draft choice played in all three of the club's JLT Community Series games, and impressed with his calmness under pressure and poise with the ball.
McGrath hasn't been guaranteed a spot in Essendon's defence for the blockbuster season opening game against Hawthorn at the MCG, but Heppell backed the Sandringham Dragons product to handle the spotlight if selected.
"I think [he's] had a fantastic pre-season and obviously played all three JLT games so he's a massive show [to debut]," Heppell said on Tuesday.
"But the competition for spots, especially across that half-back line, is enormous so it will be interesting to see how it pans out.
"I think he's ready. He's a very measured, level-headed kid and what he provides to the team is outstanding."
McGrath is unlikely to be the only new face for the Bombers if picked in front of a crowd which may exceed 80,000 fans, with former Giant James Stewart and ex-Brisbane Lion Josh Green also in the frame to make their Essendon debuts.
The Bombers will also welcome back at least six of their suspended players from last year, with Heppell, Jobe Watson, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Travis Colyer and Brent Stanton all expected to play.
Tom Bellchambers is doubtful after a pre-season ruined by injury and finger surgery has ruled out David Myers, while Heath Hocking and Ben Howlett will be in the mix of what looks an improved midfield unit at Essendon this season.
Heppell wasn't sure if the Bombers would draw on the emotion of the return in front of their supporters against the Hawks, but said the group was ready to make up for lost time.
"We're really comfortable we've put ourselves in the best shape to perform as well as we can in round one," he said.
"Obviously with the chemistry building with the group and not having played for 12 months, it's going to take a bit of time. We think we're ready to hit the ground running, but who knows, it may take a couple [of games] to build."
Heppell fronted the media alongside Hawthorn skipper Jarryd Roughead, who will also lead out his side for the first time in a permanent capacity on Saturday night.
Roughead has his own comeback story to tell, having sat out all of last season to overcome skin cancer. Roughead, like Heppell an export of small Victorian country town Leongatha, said anticipation had been growing as he moved closer to his AFL return.
"It's been building towards this. I've played the three pre-season games and felt pretty good, and there is a bit of hype around it," he said.
"At the same time it is a footy game and that's how we've got to treat it. I am excited but at the same time I'm not getting too over the top at the moment."
