The appointment of new coach John Worsfold has revitalised Essendon’s hopes of keeping youngsters Jake Carlisle and Jake Melksham at the club.

The pair, who requested trades from the AFL club at the end of the season, are expected to meet with new coach John Worsfold, offering the club a beacon of hope.

“I do think it’s a good idea for us to have a chat to the boys,” football manager Rob Kerr told SEN Radio’s Morning Glory show.

“With a senior coach in place now John can talk to them about his philosophies and how he wants to see those boys fitting in with the group in the future.”

Kerr however did admit the Bombers faced an uphill battle to keep the pair.

“I don’t think it’s irreconcilable. Obviously in their own minds they’ve gone a long way down the track towards making the move which can be hard to retrieve things from there.”

Swingman Carlisle has attracted interest from Carlton and St Kilda, while midfielder Melksham has been offered a deal with the Melbourne Demons.

Kerr was also hopeful the Bombers could confirm the signing of ruckman Matthew Leuenberger from Brisbane as soon as Friday.

“It’s been speculated that ourselves and Sydney are the two clubs that probably lead the race. With free agency opening up on Friday we’d be hoping that the decision will be made in the lead-up and come to fruition on Friday,” he said.

“We’ve been in conversations with Matthew and his managers as well as other ruckmen, we think we do need to add another ruckman to our list.

“The benefit with Matt is that he’s a free agent, so it’s easier for him to move. He holds the card as far as making the final choice because there is no trade.”