A half-forward in most of his 53 matches for Essendon since his debut in 2005, Monfries is one of many of the red and black's young stars pushing to have a greater effectacross midfield or on-ball this season.

The Bombers' line-up for today's clash includes the experienced Damien Peverill, and key position player Courtney Johns.

They and Monfries are emergencies for Essendon for tomorrow's clash with reigning AFL premier, Geelong.

Essendon called up Jason Winderlich to replace the injured Scott Lucas for the clash with the Cats.

Another Essendon-listed player in the Bendigo Bombers squad is the versatile Andrew Welsh.

The Bendigo Bombers will have three Bendigo-listed players - James Bristow, Stewart Crameri and Blair Holmes - play their first VFL senior match today.

The match will also be Adrian Hickmott's debut as a senior coach in the VFL.

Hickmott previously coached at Shepparton, Rumbalara, and then TAC Cup club, Gippsland Power.

The match will also be the first time that defender James Flaherty captains the Bendigo Bombers for the first time in a contest for premiership points.

Recruited from Maryborough, Crameri is in his second year with the Bombers.

Crameri's athleticism and skill across the half-back line was a highlight of Bendigo's pre-season.

Bristow is likely to play in a key position in attack or defence.

In the lead-up to the match, Hickmott said the Bombers had worked extremely hard on fitness and skills.

"Defensive actions will mean a lot in our play, but we also want to attack and really put the opposition under pressure," Hickmott said.

Although Bendigo has a young line-up, it also the expeience of former Richmond player Brent Hartigan.

The Bombers and Tasmania clash starts at 2pm.