Afl.com.au casts an eye over the Essendon draftees and their progress over this pre-season.

Darcy Parish: The club's first pick in last year's draft (No.5) is well ahead of schedule in his first season at AFL level. Parish has impressed with his competiveness around the ball and his ability to hit targets. Look for him to play early and regularly in 2016.

Aaron Francis: Selected at pick No.6 in last year's draft, behind Parish, Francis has had a deliberately measured start. Reads the game well, which allows him to take intercept marks in defence.

Alex Morgan: Injured his hamstring in his second last game of his TAC Cup career. As a result, the Bombers put him through a full rehabilitation program. Ticked off his first session on Thursday and will be trained up as a midfielder. Possesses breakaway speed.

Mason Redman: Redman has a similar game style to Hawthorn's Jack Gunston and the Bombers hope he can fill a similar lead-up forward role. His leadership skills at training and around the club have shone through.

Yestin Eades: Eades ability to break lines and also win the ball in tight spaces have been a feature of his game. Has hardly missed a session.

Mitch Brown: The former Cat is likely to slot into a key post down back.  He has been training in defence but the Bombers will not be afraid to swing him forward if the situation presents itself. Has put on three kilograms since coming into Essendon's system.

Michael Hartley: The ex-Magpie rookie has played on all of Essendon's key forwards in training and has held his own. Like Brown, his opportunities are set to be enhanced with Hurley and Hooker's absences. Came fifth in the club's time trial.

ROOKIES

Gach Nyuon: Nyuon is a raw ruck prospect and the Bombers will be patient with his development. He is blessed with some freakish ability.

Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti: Known to his teammates as 'Walla', McDonald-Tipungwuti is an exciting player with great pressure skills. Although he played in defence for the Bombers' VFL team last year, Essendon is hoping he can turn into a crafty small forward. Will push for immediate senior selection.

Tom Wallis: The son of two-time premiership Bomber Dean, Wallis has had a few setbacks.  Back training with the midfield group and has shown he can provide grunt around the ball.