Essendon assistant coach addresses Tsatas omission

Essendon backline coach Ben Jacobs has hosed down concern about Essendon midfielder Elijah Tsatas.

Tsatas was a notable omission from the Bombers' squad of 30 which comprehensively beat Richmond in a practice game on Friday.

Jacobs indicated that limited preparation led to Tsatas being selected for Essendon's VFL side.

"He's coming off limited preparation, he had some soreness probably two to three weeks ago so he's been compromised in terms of his preparation," Jacobs said.

"He missed a few main sessions, played half a game last week and with eight on the bench today, his minutes were being compromised, so we let him have full minutes in the VFL and let him go out there and see what he does.

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Unlike other first-choice members of the lineup whose absences were explained, no reason was given for Tsatas' omission, cueing the belief that he was not part of an understrength best 30.

Entering his fourth season, Tsatas has 16 games under his belt after being taken with the fifth selection in the 2022 AFL Draft.

Entering a contract year, Tsatas will be desperate to break into the Bombers' first-choice lineup.

He has previously been linked to a move away from the Hangar in search of further opportunities.

"I think he's built his midfield craft well, he's a stoppage beast. These young guys are building a base of being able to run at the level so we're excited to see his ground coverage now."

It was a comfortable win for 50-point win Essendon, with Darcy Parish and Jye Caldwell leading a strong midfield effort.

Parish's clearance work and pair of goals highlighted a strong day for the ball-winning on-baller.

"It's great to see him running around and if he gets continuity in training, his football takes care of itself, so it was great to see him back out there," Jacobs said.

"It's great when you talk to some of these older players that they're not talking about their bodies - they're talking about football so I'm enjoying those 'convos' with him. He's enjoying a new lease on life. 

"He's been one of the best trainers across pre-season and now he can let loose - he's a competitor and so getting back into those competition-type environment has been positive."

Archie Roberts was another shining light, finding plenty of possession in a new midfield role.

Having trained in the engine room at times across pre-season and having done so as a junior in the talent pathway, the Bombers have always been aware of his ability to play such a role and believe he's ready for the opportunity.

"He's been really good in there, (he's) a powerful runner, we enjoy what he's been doing, but in terms of where he fits come Round 1, we're not sure, but we're really enjoying where he's at right now," Jacobs said.

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"We've always known (he could go into the midfield). As he's built his base as an AFL footballer, it's a natural progression. He plays a total 360 game of football, so wherever he's playing, he has the exact same impact, so it gives us flexibility (and) midfield depth."

Meanwhile, Richmond development coach Jack Ziebell praised the pre-season of Sam Grlj, whose drive and dare off half-back added spark for the Tigers.

"He's been impressive all summer. For a first-year player to come in and be able to impact our training the way he has and with the way he goes about it - not just with ball in hand, but the way he runs and competes has been really impressive," Ziebell said.

"We'll have to wait and see (whether he plays Round 1). He's putting his best foot forward. I think he adds a different look to our back six and we love the way he goes about it."