Tullamarine Globetrotters or not, Essendon coach John Worsfold says his much-hyped squad won't be a flag threat if its defence doesn't improve.

The Bombers will unveil star recruits Jake Stringer, Devon Smith and Adam Saad against last year's grand finalist Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Friday night in an immediate test of their credentials.

Essendon last beat the Crows four years ago and has lost their past four clashes by an average of 76 points, but has great expectation this season.

Worsfold's men were already one of the most exciting teams in the competition last year – averaging the third-most points – and are now being compared to basketball's Harlem Globetrotters.

"If we see tricks, that's great, but we'll certainly still aim to score well and be a team that plays a very exciting brand of footy to watch," Worsfold told reporters.

"(But) regardless of everything, we were ranked 12th for scores against us last year and that's not good enough.

"That's not going to cut it as being a team that wants to win finals footy, so we have to improve in that area … it's certainly been a focus of some of the adjustments we've made."

Worsfold, who is entering the final season of his three-year deal, also revealed he was close to committing to a new contract with the Bombers.

He insisted his own contract situation was not a distraction and that he was instead focused on his side making a strong start to the season.

"Adelaide were in the Grand Final last year, so it doesn't really matter what (our) history is with them," Worsfold said.

"They're a very good team and a great test for us first up – we're excited about it.

"Our aim is to go out and show each other the stuff we've been training and playing … and then whatever the outcome is from that, we get to see how it stacks up against Adelaide."

Both clubs will be below strength, with Essendon missing the likes of Orazio Fantasia (knee), Travis Colyer (foot) and Marty Gleeson (ankle), but Darcy Parish is set to play after some uncertainty.

Tom Bellchambers and skipper Dyson Heppell took little or no part in Thursday's session, but Worsfold said they rarely did much the day before a game.

The Crows left Adelaide knowing they would be without captain Taylor Walker (foot), Brad Crouch (groin) and Riley Knight (ankle), on top of long-term knee victim Brodie Smith.

"The exciting part of this year is it's a group – the majority of the group – that's had 12 months together," Worsfold said.

"There'll be three new faces (Stringer, Smith and Saad) named in the squad tonight that have come via the trade, so it's exciting.

"There's a lot for us to still learn about this year, but we want to start on a great note and put our best foot forward on Friday night."

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