ANDREW McGrath is set to benefit from playing more midfield minutes, with his burst and sharp decision-making set to add an extra element to the club's onball brigade in 2019.

McGrath was a standout during the Bombers' match simulation at Tullamarine on Friday, with his run and carry out of the middle of the ground often yielding deep forward entries for his side.

Working alongside marquee recruit Dylan Shiel and a dynamic-looking Jake Stringer in the red team, McGrath won the ball in tight and utilised his pace out of congestion to advantage.

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McGrath has been regarded as a strong performer on the track this pre-season and told AFL.com.au in January that he was keen to improve his midfield craft after splitting his time between defence and onball in 2018.

With skipper Dyson Heppell (hamstring tendinitis) watching on, Shiel did a bit of everything in his role – linking up with teammates for handball receives and using his evasive skills to juke away from the opposition.

Stringer also spent time in the middle and produced the highlight of the session when he broke three tackles with a series of fends and sent the ball inside 50 on his left boot into the waiting arms of James Stewart.

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He also kicked a couple of goals when sent forward where he used his body work to advantage, with Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti also heavily involved.

Draftee Noah Gown also showed encouraging signs with a pair of well-timed marks against opponents, which earned him praise from his teammates and coaches.

Michael Hurley was an anchor in defence for the white team, while Devon Smith and Adam Saad displayed their speed with the ball.

Later in the session, Saad unfortunately came off second best in a collision after landing awkwardly in a marking contest.

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The speedster left the track momentarily but came back on with tape around his left quad, just above the knee, before finishing the session early.

Tom Bellchambers and Zac Clarke fought a fascinating battle in the ruck, with the Bombers to consider playing two traditional ruckmen in the same side this season.

Rookie Tom Jok also won his fair share of the ball as he pushes his claim for an early season debut.

Joe Daniher took part in certain drills, which included contact training, but did not play in the official match simulation, nor did Cale Hooker (hamstring), Conor McKenna (groin), Marty Gleeson (ankle), Josh Begley (knee) or Orazio Fantasia (finger).

Heppell completed a tough boxing session as part of his rehab, while Zach Merrett (ankle) wasn't spotted out on the track.

Midfielder Kobe Mutch made an appearance out on the field but was on crutches and with his foot in a moonboot.



Fortunately, Bombers football manager Dan Richardson said the injury was not too serious.

"Kobe suffered a sprained ankle and will be in a moonboot until the swelling subsides," Richardson told the club’s website.

"Although this is not ideal for his preparation, the injury is minor and Kobe has had a full pre-season to date."