Both Essendon and the Western Bulldogs had plenty of quality players watching from the sidelines on Friday night. As a result some new faces were given the opportunity to impress the coaching staff and fans. There were three first-time Bombers – Hayden Skipworth, draftee Tyson Slattery and international rookie, Irishman Michael Quinn.

Essendon players looking on included Scott Lucas, Alwyn Davey, Brent Stanton, David Myers, Jason Winderlich, Jason Laycock and Kyle Reimers as well as injured pair Brent Prismall and Andrew Welsh. If Essendon can keep its injury list under control some depth is starting to develop.

And that depth will only improve should the new additions to the Essendon list make a contribution. Skipworth, 25, is a mature-age recruit that caused much discussion among Essendon fans. He had 15 possessions, kicked two goals and laid four tackles in an impressive debut against the Bulldogs.

 
Quinn and Slattery played basically one quarter of football and it came in the final quarter when the pressure was on. Both showed a liking for the contest, won some important possessions and will have taken a lot of confidence out of their game time. Quinn has excellent leg-speed while Slattery looks to read the game very well and created contests both in the air and at ground level.
 
 
In last week's poll we asked who will play the most games for Essendon in 2009? Jarrod Atkinson was the popular choice with 48.8% of the vote from Tom Bellchambers (32.7%), Rhys Magin (8.85%), Cale Hooker (6.7%) and John Williams (2.9%). 
 
Here is what some of the fans had to say:

kevin jackson from Dodges Ferry, Tasmania says: Jarrod Atkinson in my opinion is our best pick up for this year. He is a ready made player with skill, guts and determination. I have no doubt he will play every game this year. My advice to the opposition is, don't get between him and the ball, he will hurt and embarrass you...We have a very good list and top four isn't out of the question....Go get'em Bombers!

Julian from Prahran says: I would love to see Hooker get some game time on tall forwards while Fletcher is still around to help out.

Joseph Attard from Taylors Hill says: I would love to say Magin but i think Bellchambers will be groomed into our new second ruckman. Bellchambers showed promise in 2008 after only playing a hand full of games. He has a big frame and i think he will play the most in 2009.

Greg Sloan from Somerville VIC says: Jarrod Atkinson has tremendous potential. He looks like a versatile player with good skills and lots of pace. I don't think he needs as much development as some of the younger players. We just need to play him and watch him get better from week to week.

Shaun from Tarneit says: Tom Bellchambers showed last year that he isn't out of his depth at the top level and unless Laycock grows another leg we need to quicktrack another ruckman and Bellchambers looks a likely prospect.

Michael from Tootgarook says: Bellchambers is a monty, the only way he may miss out is if Laycock starts to live up to the coaching staffs expectation. My guess is demonstrated by my vote. Go you good thing?

Emily Paton from Hobart says: Rhys for sure! He'll be a star!

james brown from berwick, vic says: with our midfield looking better than it has since the hird, masiti, mercury era, we need to develop a different sort of player. with gumbleton and neagle up forward, and ryder, hurley, daniher, pears up back, a ruckmen is a pressing concern. hille is fantastic, with 5 or so years left, but laycock isn't what he hoped he might be. bellchambers is solid enough and a decent enough player. he has my vote for sure. rhys magin comes in second, but with houli, myers, zaharakis and prismall, we are pretty set.

Wannabe from VIC says: I reckon there will be some stiff competition between Bellchambers and Laycock for the #2 ruck position...look out for Bock getting a run too!!

cohlby.g from w.a says: cant wait till friday.leroy jetta is the best. watch out 4 david myers and magin

johnny from gippsland says: with the form jarrod atkinson is in.......its hard not to see him play all 22 games he is really improving