ESSENDON will unveil its No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath in a blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday night.

The defender played all three games in the JLT Community Series and improved with every outing.

Bombers coach John Worsfold told essendonfc.com.au there were no great expectations on McGrath.

"We just want him to back himself in and believe in himself," Worsfold said. 

"Your first game is always a massive learning curve. He's played in the JLT Series but this game will just be so exciting for him. 

"We're not expecting him to be a game-breaker. We just want him to get out there and enjoy the experience."

McGrath follows in the footsteps of the first selection in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft Jacob Weitering, who also made a round one debut in front of a massive crowd at the MCG.

Weitering showed plenty of poise across half-back that night in front of 75,706 fans, as the Blues were downed by nine points versus Richmond.