Essendon has made three changes to its side for the Friday night blockbuster against Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium.
The team will be boosted by the inclusion of three experiences stars, with forward Orazio Fantasia, midfielder Dylan Shiel and versatile Bomber Jake Stringer all returning from injury.
Key-position Don Aaron Francis, small forward Mark Baguley and defender Ben McNiece have been omitted to make way for the trio.
FINAL TEAM B – Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hurley, Andrew McGrath HB – Conor McKenna, Cale Hooker, Adam Saad C – Mason Redman, Zach Merrett, Kyle Langford HF – David Zaharakis, Jayden Laverde, Matt Guelfi F – Darcy Parish, Shaun McKernan, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti R – Tom Bellchambers, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell Interchange – Orazio Fantasia, Jake Stringer, Dylan Clarke, Josh Begley Emergencies – Aaron Francis, Mark Baguley, Zac Clarke, Ben McNiece
IN – Fantasia, Stringer, Shiel OUT – Francis, Baguley, McNiece (all omitted)
I’m pretty happy with the changes. McGrath named in defence, to me that’s where he plays his best footy. That back six looks so solid. Bad luck for Francis but he has to usurp Ambrose to get a look-in and Paddy has been pretty reliable down there. Laverde to play a lead-up forward role, I like that. Stringer, Shiel, Raz in. No excuses to not win tomorrow night. Massive game!
