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In-form Richmond defender Dylan Grimes says he has learned plenty this season as Alex Rance recovers from his knee reconstruction.

Dylan Grimes shouted Alex Rance to breakfast not long ago as the Richmond defence continues to dine out on AFL opponents.

While the Tigers clearly miss Rance, they're coping admirably as the multiple All-Australian recovers from his knee reconstruction.

Overcoming Richmond's defence will be a major challenge for Essendon in the Saturday night Dreamtime At The 'G blockbuster, even more so now the Bombers have lost key forward Joe Daniher for the season.

Grimes has stepped up admirably in Rance's absence and after narrowly missing All-Australian selection last year, he surely is on track to achieve the honour this time.

Breakfast was Grimes' way of saying thank you to Rance, who is helping out his fellow defenders as he aims for an improbable late-season return.

"Until you play the role he plays, you don't get to fully appreciate how talented he is and much of a leader he is," Grimes said.

"For the last five or six years, I've been able to learn from him so closely and really, he's one of my closest friends.

"He's been right there with me in the review meetings and he's been coaching me as closely as anyone, to try to fill the role he's been playing."

Given Rance is impossible to replace, Grimes said all the defenders had stepped up.

He singled out David Astbury and Nick Vlastuin for also taking on Rance's defensive role.

"Rancey's role is sort of everyone's role at the same time," Grimes said.

"Everyone collectively has made a lift, but you take an All-Australian backman out of the side, you're going to notice a bit of a difference.

"For me it's been the best learning opportunity."

Rance is quick to correct anyone who says his season is over and Grimes would not be surprised if he recovers in time.

"All I can say is the positive attitude he's had from the moment he was injured - you would have seen the interview he had post-game (after the injury)," Grimes said.

"So far, everything is looking excellent."

Grimes added that Essendon's attack remains dangerous, despite not kicking more than 10 goals since round five.

"You're not ever 100 per cent sure of the look they're going to give you," he said.

"Offensively, they do have so many tricks.

"As much as you scope them out, there's only so much you can do."

Ivan Soldo's suspension means Richmond ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones will make his AFL debut and Grimes revealed his unusual nickname.

"We call him the Zombie, because he seems so much older than what he actually is," Grimes said.

"He has a great head on his shoulders, he's worked incredibly hard this year."