Fresh after a week off with the bye, Essendon VFL has named a strong team for Saturday’s double header against Box Hill.

The selected side features 18 senior-listed Bombers, including Mitch Brown who will make his return after overcoming wrist soreness. 

Brown joins Aaron Francis, Mark Baguley, Irving Mosquito, Ben McNiece and Noah Gown as inclusions to the starting line-up. 

Fan favourite Marty Gleeson will continue building on his match minutes, while mid-season rookie draftee Will Snelling will play his second VFL game. 

Michael Hartley will act as the key defensive post once again, with support from veteran Matt Dea and rising youngster Brandon Zerk-Thatcher.

At the opposite end, vice-captain Danny Younan and versatile utility Jordan Ridley will start in the forward-line.

Skipper Aaron Heppell and vice-captain Heath Hocking have been named on the extended bench. 

Riley Bowman from the NAB League’s Sandringham Dragons has been named the 23rd player for the third time.

Saturday’s double header at Windy Hill begins with Essendon VFLW taking on Box Hill from 11:30am, followed by the VFL Dons at 2pm. 

The final team will be announced before the first bounce.

Live match updates will be available via Essendon VFL’s Twitter account, and will be broadcasted on 94.1FM (3WBC).

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.