Veteran Courtenay Dempsey will return for his first game of 2016 this Friday night against North Ballarat.

Dempsey was suspended against the Tigers in Round 22 of 2015 and handed a four game ban for a dangerous tackle.

Despite  this, however, the veteran has worked tirelessly throughout the pre-season and looks to be in top shape ahead of his first run with Essendon VFL.

The team will be looking for a full four-quarter effort after a disappointing loss to Werribee in the opening round last week. 

Tom Wallis, Jason Ashby, Shaun McKernan and Mark Jamar have also been named to make their return from injuries.

They will come up against a North Ballarat side full of belief after they celebrated a close win in their first game of the season. 

Essendon VFL will take on North Ballarat under the lights of Queen Elizabeth Oval tomorrow night.

Fans who are unable to attend the game can tune in and listen via VFL Radio through the website or Essendon App. You can also follow all the action live by the Essendon VFL Twitter account.

Essendon VFL vs. North Ballarat

Friday April 15, 7:30pm

Queen Elizabeth Oval

Team:

B: Aaron Heppell, Nathan Grima, Jason Ashby

HB: Daniel Coghlan, James Ferry, Shaun Edwards

C: Courtenay Dempsey, Ben McNiece, Tom Wallis

HF: Jonathan Simpkin, Sam Grimley, Ryan Crowley

F: Jake Long, Sam Michael, Mason Redman

R: Shaun McKernan, Will Hams, Jackson Merrett

INT: Mark Jamar, James Polkinghorne, Gach Nyuon, Sam Heavyside, Jack Langford, Matt Dornauf, Josh Freezer, Yestin Eades

23^rd Man: James El Moussalli