The Bombers welcome back six players for their clash with the Dockers.
David Myers headlines the list of inclusions. He'll run out for his first game in 631 days. The long kicking midfielder has averaged 31 possessions and eight tackles in the VFL this season.
James Kelly, Brent Stanton, Matthew Leuenberger, Michael Hartley and Aaron Francis also come into the side.
Fremantle has included key position player Matt Taberner as well as Cameron Sutcliffe.
Both sides will be looking to rebound after last start losses, with the winner moving to 4-3 and well in the finals hunt.
Check out Robert Shaw's preview here
The Weather
Sunny with a top of 29.
The History
R11, 2016, Fremantle 20.6 (126) d Essendon 6.11 (47) at Domain Stadium
R6, 2015, Fremantle 12.8 (80) d Essendon 7.10 (52) at Domain Stadium
R4, 2014, Fremantle 18.5 (113) d Essendon 9.6 (60) at Domain Stadium
R3, 2013, Essendon 10.12 (72) d Fremantle 9.14 (68) at Domain Stadium
R13, 2012, Essendon 17.11 (113) d Fremantle 14.5 (89) at Domain Stadium
The Teams
Fremantle
In: Matt Taberner, Cameron Sutcliffe
Out: Griffin Logue, Tommy Sheridan
B: Garrick Ibbotson, Joel Hamling, Lee Spurr
HB: Lachie Weller, Michael Johnson, Ed Langdon
C: Hayden Crozier, Lachie Neale, Bradley Hill
HF: Connor Blakely, Shane Kersten, Michael Walters
F: Matt Taberner, Cam McCarthy, Harley Balic
R: Aaron Sandilands, Nat Fyfe, David Mundy
I: Ethan Hughes, Darcy Tucker, Brady Grey, Cameron Sutcliffe
E: Nick Suban, Griffin Logue, Tommy Sheridan
Essendon
In: J.Kelly, B.Stanton, M.Leuenberger, D.Myers, M.Hartley, A.Francis
Out: J.Watson (rested) B.Howlett, T.Bellchambers, M.Brown (ankle), B.McNiece (rested), A.McGrath (rested)
B: Matt Dea, Michael Hurley, Martin Gleeson
HB: Mark Baguley, Michael Hartley, Aaron Francis
C: Travis Colyer, Brendon Goddard, James Kelly
HF: Orazio Fantasia, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis
F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, David Myers
R: Matthew Leuenberger, Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell
I: Darcy Parish, Josh Green, Conor McKenna, Brent Stanton
E: James Stewart, Kobe Mutch, Ben Howlett
Follow the scores on the Essendon App
Key notes:
- Expect Connor Blakely to play a 'run-with' role on Zach Merrett. The Bombers midfielder averages the most kicks in the AFL per game.
- The Bombers haven't won in Perth on their last five attempts. But the side did beat Fremantle and West Coast at Domain Stadium in 2013. Travis Colyer, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, David Myers, Brent Stanton and David Zaharakis were all part of the win against the Dockers.
- Fremantle is ranked third for clearances this season while the Bombers sit 14th. But the Dons do have an edge in contested possessions. They're eighth overall compared to the Dockers who sit 16th.
- Essendon has three players (Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher and Cale Hooker) ranked in the top 30 for goals, while Cam McCarthy is the leading Docker at number 46 overall.
