Former Hawthorn player Sam Grimley has been named for his first game with Essendon.
Grimley comes into the side alongside Courtenay Dempsey while Patrick Ambrose and the injured Jayden Laverde miss out.
Bombers Coach John Worsfold said Grimley would add another marking option to his forward line mix after booting four goals from nine shots across the first two rounds of the VFL season.
“Key forward, good pace, smart leader and can do some ruck work as required as well,” Worsfold said.
“We feel as though he’s got his form to the level where he’ll complement the other tall forwards that we have and give us a good mix up there.”
With a sunny afternoon forecast for the Anzac Day clash, the Bombers could opt to use three marking options in attack with Grimley set to line-up alongside Joe Daniher and Mitch Brown – although the former Cat is also capable of playing in defence.
Essendon’s players and coaches have embraced the build-up to the biggest home and away game of the year.
The group has attended the Shrine and heard first hand accounts of veterans who have served in World War II and more recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq.
After an off-season of heartbreak, the Bombers will return to centre stage on Monday with a large crowd and strong viewing audience watching on.
“It has been awesome, really exciting,” Worsfold said of the build-up to the game.
“A couple of minor changes to our normal ‘prep’ but with the longer week that’s fitted in really well.
“Overall I’m just excited. I’ve been to one Anzac Day game in my life and really enjoyed the atmosphere of the game and the build-up.
“This will be different – being (directly) involved – but it’s a really special day for everyone.”
