Essendon coach John Worsfold could throw No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath in at the deep end against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday night.

The talented young defender will make his AFL debut against the Hawks and Worsfold said he won’t be afraid to send him to four-time premiership forward Cyril Rioli if the need arises.

“If you want to be an AFL player don’t put your hand up and say, ‘Can you find me someone that’s easy to play on?’ … I don’t think Andy McGrath will ever ask that question,” Worsfold told reporters on Friday.