Essendon star Darcy Parish is reportedly no certainty of lining up for the Bombers in next weekend's Round 1 clash against Hawthorn.

Parish has enjoyed a strong and uninterrupted pre-season to date, with captain Zach Merrett lauding the All-Australian's summer ahead of the club's second season under coach Brad Scott.

The inside onballer endured a calf injury midway through last year that hindered his 2023 season, with a reported hamstring matter said to be limiting him a week out from Round 1.

According toย 9 News'ย Tom Morris, Parish is dealing with hamstring tightness and could be a chance of missing his side's first game at the MCG next Saturday.

It is understood that the Bombers will learn the full extent of Parish's ailment closer to Round 1.

The Bombers aren't expected to have fellow onballer Dylan Shiel (foot) ready in time for Round 1, while defensive pair Jordan Ridley (quad) and Kaine Baldwin (foot) are also set to miss the start of the new season.

Scott's squad is brimming with viable midfield options outside of Parish and Shiel, with Merrett to lead a cohort that includes Jye Caldwell, Will Setterfield, Ben Hobbs, Elijah Tsatas, Sam Durham and Nic Martin.

Hobbs (shoulder) is set to be available after getting through a VFL practice match unscathed, with ruckman Sam Draper (groin) and top draft selection Nate Caddy (soreness) also building their workloads.

Draper is primed to face the Hawks after a heavily interrupted pre-season, having required surgery on a troublesome groin early into the off-season.

Essendon will host Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday at 1:45pm (AEDT).