The atmosphere of finals footy is tough to replicate in March, but the 46 players in the MCG cauldron on Friday night might feel inclined to disagree.

This year’s iteration of the staple round one clash between Essendon and Hawthorn comes in off the long run-up, especially given the external media hype surrounding the matchup for the better part of five months.

Despite the ‘bubble’ the players tend to occupy inside the four walls of a footy club, breakout Don Archie Roberts is embracing every bit of the excitement and anxiety that comes with it.

“It's definitely a big week because of the hype and a lot of the excitement around it and that does come with nerves,” Roberts said on Thursday night.

“All I know is I'm very excited. A lot of that build-up is media-based and fan-based but obviously we feel it too. Again, this rivalry hasn't just been created over the past 12 months or even the past few months, this has been a rivalry forever. 

“We just can't wait to get out there and do it for all of our fans and supporters. Yeah, last year’s lead-in to round one was great but this year's going to be even bigger. 

“I feel like we're ready.”

A key component early in Friday’s clash will be which side can best channel that excitement.

Factoring in the overwhelming sense of the unknown that all teams feel going into a season opener, Brad Scott has been steadfast in keeping his troops level-headed throughout the week – ‘execution’ the main focus.

“I think the most important thing that Brad's touched on all week is just about controlling your emotions,” Roberts said.

“There's going to be a lot of emotion on both sides, but it comes down to who can channel it into the important things like winning contested ball.

“I know everyone's going to be quite emotional, quite energised and fizzed up, but it's who's going to do it the best and who's going to let their footy do the talking. Not being silly with (that aggression), but going and just tackling hard and being strong in the contest.” 

Roberts kicks off this campaign off the back of a stellar second season, running away with Runner Up, Rising Star and Most Improved Player honours at last year’s Crichton Medal.

Splitting time between defence and the on-ball rotation in pre-season, Roberts will continue to go off instinct when he’s out there – irrespective of role. 

“I always sort of knew I was capable of (playing midfield) and I'm never going to put a ceiling on where I can play or what I can do,” Roberts said. 

“Benny (Jacobs) and Brad have put a lot of trust in me and it grew a lot of confidence in me that I can play different roles. It’s just given me a lot of freedom to go play on instinct and I think that's when I'm at my best.

“I just want to come in and do my role, support the other mids and backs, and hopefully get that win on the board.”

The Bombers will introduce four new faces to the fray on Friday in the form of debutants Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Huss El Achkar, as well as experienced recruit Brayden Fiorini. 

To Roberts, their early inclusions speak for themselves.

“We have four boys donning the sash for the first time. We're all really keen to be out there supporting them and helping them through their first games.

“I remember my first game against Freo on the ‘G and that was so special. But for them to play in front of potentially 90,0000 in their first game is such a great taste of AFL footy, and also the finals footy where we want to get to.

“We know what they're capable of doing and we're excited to play with them. I know I trust them with everything and they wouldn't be playing if they weren't ready.”