Friday night’s blockbuster against the reigning Premiers will be a celebration of sorts for Essendon ruckman David Hille who will return for his first AFL game since rupturing his ACL in last year’s Anzac Day game.

The match will also mark the 28-year-old’s 150th senior game of football, but despite the career milestones, he is not feeling the heat.

“I don’t think there’s too much pressure on me at the moment because it’s my first game back and it just happens to be my 150th as well but I’m pretty confident,” Hille said to Bomber.tv today.
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Matthew Knights’ well-publicised plans to play Hille and fellow ruckman Patrick Ryder in shared roles between the ruck and forward line will be tested on the big stage for the first time on Friday night. It is something both players are looking forward to.

“My duties will be broken up more in the forward line and the midfield which I’m more than happy about,” Hille said.

“The team has obviously changed and with the emergence of Patrick and even Jason Laycock, sharing those duties as well, we’ve got more options now and that can only be good for our team.”
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Hille says his body is feeling good following a number of practice matches, including a challenge match against Richmond last fortnight, and the 2008 Crichton Medallist is confident he can make an impact in his first game back.

“I’m of the opinion that if you’re out there, go for it. I’m confident in my knee and ready and looking forward to getting out there,"" Hille said.
“I gained a lot of confidence out of the Richmond game. You sometimes wonder if you are going to get left behind a little bit because the game is increasing with speed every year but I got a lot of confidence out of that game and I’m feeling really good.

“Ultimately I just can't wait to get out there and will try to do what I always do - help out the other guys in my team in the best way that I can.""

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