David Myers will make his return to Essendon’s senior side against Fremantle on Sunday.
In doing so he’ll become the last of the ten returning players to Don the Sash again.
Myers has played just two games in the last two seasons, but he returns after some impressive VFL performances.
A fortnight ago he collected 35 disposals in the VFL side’s win over Collingwood and last week he had 27 possessions and laid nine tackles.
“It’s very exciting to have ‘Myersy’ back … obviously he had a lot of injuries through 2015 and he missed last year, so he’s worked really hard to be back,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold.
“He brings really strong leadership, he brings a really strong presence around the ball and obviously a booming left foot kick, which we’re keen to see a lot of.”
Michael Hartley, Aaron Francis, James Kelly and Matthew Leuenberger will also return this Sunday against the Dockers.
James Stewart, Kobe Mutch and Brent Stanton are in the mix after being named on an extended interchange bench.
The final 22 will be announced on Friday.
Jobe Watson (rested), Tom Bellchambers (omitted), Mitch Brown (ankle), Andrew McGrath (rested) and Ben McNiece (rested) are the confirmed exclusions at this stage.
Worsfold said he spoke to Watson before the decision was made for the best and fairest winner to have a rest.
“He feels like this is the week where [in order] to fully bounce back, it’s the right time,” Worsfold said.
“That’s fits in with the availability of everyone and we’re comfortable with that.”
Fremantle vs. Essendon
Sunday May 7th
Domain Stadium
2:40pm (AWST) / 4:40pm (AEST)
In: J.Kelly, B.Stanton, M.Leuenberger, D.Myers, M.Hartley, J.Stewart, A.Francis, K.Mutch
Out: J.Watson (Rested), T.Bellchambers (Omitted), 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, James Stewart, Kobe Mutch, Ben Howlett, Conor McKenna, Brent Stanton
