Bombers stars of the future - and some established big names - will be on show in the Essendon (VFL squad) v Richmond (VFL squad) practice match at Craigieburn tomorrow (Friday).
Young guns including Jay Neagle, Leroy Jetta, David Zaharakis, Michael Hurley, Darcy Daniher and Bachar Houli will join Nathan Lovett-Murray in the 2pm hit-out.
""There are a number of players the fans will be interested in seeing tomorrow including Anthony Long, nephew of the great Michael Long,"" general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton said.
""The players in this practice match have missed selection for Saturday's Challenge match against Melbourne so they will be very keen to have a strong showing and put their names up in lights for the season.
""We have a very healthy playing list at the moment with only one injury which means competition for spots in the senior team is tight and good players will miss out.""
Hamilton said Hurley was allowed to play in this VFL game - as per his club imposed sanction for a post season incident - but could not play in the official pre-season competition.
Meanwhile, Scott Gumbleton has been ruled out of Saturday's 1pm clash with Melbourne at Visy Park. The tall forward trained well during the week but the club has decided to rest him as a precaution.
Friday practice match details: 2pm, Friday 26th February at Highgate Reserve, Craigieburn (cnr Grand Blvd and Cleveland Drive - Mel 386 J3). Please Note: Fans are welcome to attend but there will be no public facilties at the oval (including no shade, seating or toilets).
The Essendon VFL squad is:
1 Jay NEAGLE
7 Leroy JETTA
11 David ZAHARAKIS
13 Anthony LONG
14 Shane PAGE (Bendigo – VFL Listed Player)
17 Robbie THOMPSON (Bendigo – VFL Listed Player)
18 Michael HURLEY
22 Jake CARLISLE
24 John WILLIAMS #
28 Darcy DANIHER
32 Trent SHINNERS (Bendigo – VFL Listed Player)
34 Kyle HARDINGHAM
35 Taite SILVERLOCK #
36 Tyson SLATTERY
37 Jacob THOMPSON (Bendigo – VFL Listed Player)
38 Jarrod ATKINSON
41 Michael QUINN #
42 Nathan LOVETT-MURRAY
43 Bachar HOULI
44 Thomas BELLCHAMBERS
45 Stewart CRAMERI #
46 Christian BOCK #
47 Marcus MARIGLIANI ##
48 James PAPALIA (Bendigo –VFL Listed Player)
# - Denotes EFC Rookie List
## - Denotes EFC Mature Age Rookie
