Alwyn – the brother of Melbourne star Aaron – has played in each pre-season practice match and has impressed with his defensive pressure and ability to kick goals. He is likely to line up across half forward and should enjoy the spacious AAMI Stadium this weekend.

Essendon assistant coach Gary O’Donnell said Davey had worked hard during the pre-season to earn his place in the senior side.

""It really wasn’t cemented until the last couple of weeks but it was hard to ignore what he can bring to the team. His forward pressure is excellent and he can become a valuable player even if he isn’t getting a lot of it,"" O’Donnell said.

""I think he will help balance how we look in the forward half. We have Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas and possibly a Courtney Johns as well as David Hille at times – Alwyn will make us more dangerous at ground level and opposition defenders will be put under more pressure,""

The Essendon team is starting to look like it has the leg speed to match it with some of the other sides in the competition.

Andrew Lovett and now Davey give the side some explosive speed and Leroy Jetta may at some time add to that during the season. Jason Winderlich has genuine speed as does Courtenay Dempsey while Essendon supporters are accustomed to what Brent Stanton brings to the side in terms of run.

""If it was simply pace that wins games we would all be looking for Olympic sprinters. What I like about these players is that they can get the ball as well,’ O’Donnell said.

""I think there is a bit to be excited about. You need players with speed that can burst out of stoppages and give you some run between half forward and half back and I think we are starting to get a group of players together that can do that for us.""