Essendon skipper Dyson Heppell could be set for a new role in 2021.
Bombers coach Ben Rutten flagged that the veteran could move to the half backline after the club's running backmen stocks took a hit this off-season.
The 28-year old was restricted to just three AFL games in 2020 due to an ongoing ankle injury.
Rutten also backed in Heppell to retain the captaincy in what would be his fourth season leading from the front.
"Certainly, at this stage, I think that Dyson will be our captain. He's really widely respected and he's unanimously respected," he said on AFL.com.au's NAB AFL Draft Countdown.
"But I love the fact that McGrath and Ridley, in their standout performances last year, have started right now with their preparation and with who they want to be as footballers. They really started to have an honest reflection of where they were and have put the work in.
"I'm already seeing some signs with our guys who are back already that we're going to have some of those guys jump up again. That's what I'm wanting to see from our guys who are back training at the moment."
The Bombers willl mix up their defensive personnel after Adam Saad had his trade request to Carlton granted, while Conor McKenna retired from AFL to return to Ireland.
"We'll probably see a variety of personnel back there," Rutten said.
"Unless someone really jumps out and owns that position, we're certainly open-minded and I think we've got some flexibility to be able to replace the likes of Adam Saad and Conor McKenna."
The Bombers also acquired Saints speedster Nick Hind during the trade period, who played across half back in Essendon's VFL side.
