They boast more than 500 AFL games between them and have played in front of packed crowds throughout their long and distinguished careers.

But the audience was measured in hundreds rather than thousands when Brent Stanton, Matthew Leuenberger and Heath Hocking last strode on to a football field for a competitive match.

Whitten Oval was the venue and Footscray was the opponent as the trio looked to stake their claim for a senior call-up.

Such is Essendon’s depth this year that quality players, both young and old, are missing out on senior games each week.

Craig Bird didn’t play in the match against Footscray but the former Swans premiership player has spent the whole season at state level, after playing 18 senior games in his first year at the Bombers.

Essendon Captain Dyson Heppell told Bomber Radio the experienced players who have lined up in the VFL this season have done so with all of the professionalism and selflessness that have been hallmarks of their careers so far.

“With those guys playing in the VFL, that is really helping the development of those young guys,” Heppell said.

“Playing in the VFL with a fantastic attitude and really sticking to their role and not getting too hungry to just go kick chasing … I really feel they’ve been super disciplined. 

“Anyone that goes back there has really embraced the rest of the group and really helped develop those younger players so the attitude of them has been outstanding.”

Heppell said first year players including Kobe Mutch, Josh Begley and Jordan Ridley – who has recently returned from a long term back injury – have progressed quicker than he expected.

Mutch is averaging 20 disposals per game in the VFL this season, while Begley is averaging 13 disposals, four marks and four tackles each week.

Ridley collected 20 possessions and took 13 marks in his second game of the season against the Bulldogs.

The young players and their more experienced teammates knocking on the door for a senior call-up highlights a level of depth at the Bombers not seen since the Bombers qualified for the finals in 2013 and 2014.

“We’ve got a lot of guys that roll through a number of different positions,” Heppell said.

“With that versatility it’s really helpful … we’re seeing the likes of Raz [Orazio Fantasia] and Walla [Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti] getting time in the midfield and we’re getting guys in the VFL that are playing consistently well. 

“Anyone that goes out of the side, we’re able to replace him with a another quality player.”