He’s sampled just about every position on the ground in his first two seasons on an AFL list, but for now, the backline is home for Aaron Francis.

The number six draft pick was shifted to defence in the VFL three weeks ago.

He produced his best game in that role last week, finishing with 22 disposals and eight marks against the Northern Blues.

Francis has been used mostly in attack throughout his five senior games, but Performance Coach Mark Harvey said the 19-year old approached John Worsfold recently about shifting to the backline.

“He went and had a chat with the senior coach and probably was thinking that’s where he needed to go,” Harvey told Bomber Radio.

“That’s how he was recruited effectively in the under 18 system.

“He’s played there the last couple of weeks and he’s starting to ramp up his ground coverage.

“Fundamentally he reads the game quite well and his offence can be good if we can get his kicking more decisive.”

Essendon's backline in the senior team has been unchanged in the last five weeks.

But Harvey said Francis could contend for selection if his performances continue and expects him to settle as a defender down the track.

“He was in good form last week and there is no reason why he can’t push for senior selection in the coming weeks,” Harvey said.

“His GPS results are starting to get to the required level, he’s tough, he’s uncompromising. 

“I would expect he’ll be in the team at some stage in the next six weeks.”