Essendon coach James Hird remains confident of retaining sought-after ruckman Tom Bellchambers and forward Stewart Crameri as other AFL clubs circle their tall timber.

Bellchambers and Crameri both come out of contract at the end of the season.

Bellchambers has become one of the competition’s most improved ruckmen under Hird, while forward Crameri is an appealing option for several clubs lacking a goalkicker and marking target.

Hird remains determined to keep both despite a wealth of tall options and quality forwards, including emerging Joe Daniher.

“(Bellchambers) certainly won’t get squeezed out from our point of view,” Hird said.

“We hold Tom in very high regard, he’s an excellent ruckman and an excellent person around the club.

“We want to sign him up and we’re very keen to get that done as soon as we can.

“We’ve got three or four players who are very good players we’re trying to get re-signed and I’m sure that will happen very shortly.

Crameri will miss the Bombers’ clash with Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday with injury.

Resurgent Port have beaten Sydney and Collingwood in successive weeks, and a win over the top four Bombers would leave no doubt that they are the real deal under first-year coach Ken Hinkley.

Hinkley has won high praise from Hird ahead of their clash.

“He’s obviously a very good coach, done his time, learned a lot and now he’s got his own team and he’s putting it into play.

“Their contested footy’s been great, they’ve really defended well … and they’re pretty good with the ball in hand.

“So they’re good at all three phases of the game and they’ve got all their quality players fit and playing well.”

Paul Stewart replaces the injured Dom Cassisi in Port’s only change.