Essendon has made five changes to its team ahead of Saturday night’s clash with Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.
The Bombers will welcome back veteran James Kelly and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger for the clash with the Crows.
Former Tiger Matt Dea returns for his first AFL game since Round 10, while young duo Jayden Laverde and Andrew McGrath are back after sitting out last week’s win over Carlton.
They replace injured ruckman Tom Bellchambers (foot), forward Orazio Fantasia (hamstring) and suspended midfielder Zach Merrett.
Defender Mark Baguley has been rested while Michael Hartley is also out of the side.
Essendon’s team is:
B: Andrew McGrath, Matt Dea, James Kelly
HB: Brendon Goddard, Michael Hurley, Patrick Ambrose
C: Darcy Parish, Jobe Watson, Dyson Heppell
HF: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer
F: Jayden Laverde, Joe Daniher, James Stewart
R: Matthew Leuenberger, David Zaharakis, Ben Howlett
INT: Martin Gleeson, Josh Green, David Myers, Conor McKenna
EMG: Mark Baguley, Josh Begley, Craig Bird
In: James Kelly, Matthew Leuenberger, Matt Dea, Jayden Laverde, Andrew McGrath
Out: Tom Bellchambers (foot), Mark Baguley (rested), Orazio Fantasia (hamstring), Zach Merrett (suspension), Michael Hartley (omitted)
