‘You can't have 10 inside midfielders': Dons to blood rookie pair while Tsatas, Hobbs wait their turn
The versatile Jones and in particular strong-marking Reid were enjoying good seasons before their setbacks, while Nate Caddy – who is carrying a big load in attack with Langford sidelined, and when Peter Wright goes into the ruck – Archie Roberts and Isaac Kako have also impressed McPherson.
However, it has been more challenging for midfielders Ben Hobbs and Elijah Tsatas.
Essendon dropped Hobbs, the No.13 pick in 2021, on Thursday night, while Tsatas, the fifth selection in 2022, has played just one of the Bombers' past five games.
Hobbs' centre-bounce opportunities had dwindled before his axing, and he was playing almost exclusively as a forward, even before All-Australian onballer Darcy Parish's return on Sunday night.
Tsatas continues to rack up disposals for Essendon's reserves, but his kicking efficiency – the biggest knock on him – is barely above 46 per cent, and he is handballing far more.
Neither player making this week's team despite Durham's absence, veteran Dylan Shiel remaining in the VFL since being dropped a month ago, and captain Zach Merrett being used at half-back is an indication of their place in the midfield pecking order.
'The unique nature of our injury list is they are essentially all talls and key-position guys, so the players that Elijah and 'Hobbsy' are battling for spots are fit and healthy,' McPherson said.
'Our core group of inside midfielders are experienced, high-quality players. You look at Parish, Caldwell and Merrett – and Setterfield's done some terrific jobs the last few weeks.
'We brought in two guys this week, but they're tall because we need some height and reinforcement in that area, so that takes away a couple of spots outside the centre bounce … you can't have 10 inside midfielders.'
McPherson said it would be 'great for them and us' if Hobbs and Tsatas re-established themselves in the AFL by season's end, but that team balance was the priority.
The Bombers are keen to have more A-grade talent around Merrett, but McPherson was confident a number of their players were 'trending' towards reaching that status.
Essendon are scouring rival clubs' lists to help that pursuit, meaning they could be active in free agency and the trade period, while they are armed with their own and Melbourne's first-round pick in this year's draft.
'Our list and recruiting guys are on the lookout, and getting to work on who's available, who's a possibility, and whether they fit with us,' McPherson said. 'But at the same time, we think there's potential for a few of our guys to continue to improve and elevate to that level.'
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McPherson said having multiple first-round selections meant the Bombers would have 'flexibility' in the player movement period as they explore the potential of trying to lure a top-liner to Tullamarine.
They also must decide how hard they will work to retain unrestricted free agent ruckman Draper, who has interest from Adelaide.
'We're not closed off to anything. You never say never,' McPherson said. 'You go into these sorts of deals and discussions with your best interests at the forefront, so it has to be something that we're really comfortable benefits us.'
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