Having showed signs of progression in the past two seasons since Hird took over as coach at the end of 2010, the Bombers are now pushing for a more consistent output this season and Hird says performing under pressure will play a key role.

"There's no doubt in 2011 we were able to play for two-and-a-half quarters, and last year sort of got to three-and-a-bit quarters, and when things really got tough at the end we maybe struggled a little bit," Hird said on Thursday ahead of the club's season-opening clash with Adelaide.

"There's a lot of things which come into being able to play a full game week after week, and part of that is resilience under pressure.

"Our boys have been under a lot of pressure and they've handled it very well. We think that will stand them in good stead during the football season."

Hird confirmed star Bombers Michael Hurley (ankle) and David Zaharakis (quad) would play against the Crows at AAMI Stadium on Friday night and said forward Nick Kommer would make his debut.

The coach described Kommer, a 22-year-old recruited at last year's NAB AFL Draft, as a "terrific kid who loves the occasion."

Zaharakis could be used as a substitute after having only one hit-out ahead of the home and away season.  

Hird said the club was in a different position in having nearly a full list to choose from with Jason Winderlich (groin) the only player unavailable, and said it was a good starting point to an improved year.

"It's unusual for us to have 43 out of 44 players to pick from. There's probably five or six guys who are very unlucky not to get a game this week, but that's the situation we'd love to be in for a large part of the year," Hird said.

"If we can keep a fit and motivated list then I think we'll have a good season."

Follow AFL website reporter Callum Twomey on Twitter at @AFL_CalTwomey.