ESSENDON ruckman David Hille appears almost certain to line up for the Bombers in round one of the premiership season after performing strongly in their intraclub hit-out in Shepparton on Wednesday evening.

Hille, 28, started the match in the goalsquare opposed to young defender Darcy Daniher, and it wasn't long before he marked on the lead and kicked the first goal of the game.

The powerful ruckman appeared for the first 15 minutes of each quarter, in what was his first game since he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament on Anzac Day last year. 

Coach Matthew Knights was pleased with Hille's work, both in attack and in the ruck, and said it gave him hope the big man would play against Geelong on March 26.

"He's cleared all the hurdles up to this point with his rehabilitation, so if he keeps going down this track, we'd be pretty confident he could line up," he said.

"He's a leader of this football club and he's got a big, strong body, which is really important against the really good sides in the competition.

"I've got a fair bit of joy out of today and seeing him kick that first goal was certainly worth the trip up the highway."

Hille's performance was overshadowed only by positive signs at the other end of the ground where young injury-prone forward Scott Gumbleton snared two goals against Tayte Pears.

The highly touted 21-year-old looked fit and healthy after a horror three-year period in which he managed just five senior games.

"I'm trying to play that one low key because I've declared him the last few years as someone to watch," Knights laughed.

A slimmed down Mark McVeigh (two goals) was a standout in the midfield, and was joined by recent draftee Travis Colyer and a fully fit Andrew Welsh among the highlights.

Knights also said he was encouraged by the fitness of Alwyn Davey and Brent Prismall after their returns from knee reconstructions last season.

Jason Laycock (calf), Tyson Slattery (fractured fibula) and David Myers (hamstring) didn't play, while Michael Quinn missed after he returned to Ireland to attend the funeral of one of his grandparents.

Key position prospect Michael Hurley ran water during the game as he continues to recover from a broken wrist. He is not expected to play in the Bombers' opening NAB Cup clash against West Coast next Friday night at Subiaco but will be considered for their second match.

Overall, Knights said he was pleased with the health of his list after an injury-plagued pre-season last year.

"It certainly gives you a better chance of putting more players out there. We had 43 players out there today, including rookies, out of 48," he said.

"There's competition for spots and the boys are starting to realise there is a push from underneath, which doesn't guarantee anyone a spot, and that's the way it should be."

David Hille is a $237,300 ruckman in this year’s Toyota AFL Dream Team.
Scott Gumbleton is a $94,500 forward.