Essendon has made two changes for its round 19 Friday night clash with the Western Bulldogs.

Utility Nik Cox has been selected for his first game since round seven, 2022, coming in after six VFL games following a conservative rehabilitation return from a back injury. 

Rd 19: Gameday guide

The Bombers will feature a two-pronged ruck attack, with Andrew Phillips recalled after serving a week's suspension for rough conduct. 

Forwards Sam Weideman (omitted) and Jye Menzie (omitted) will come out of the selected 22, while last week's sub Nick Hind has also been listed as an emergency. 

Essendon round 19 team

B 1. McGrath 30. Zerk-Thatcher 15. Laverde
HB 27. Redman 14. Ridley 29. Kelly
C 37. Martin 7. Merrett 22. Durham
HF 35. Guelfi 4. Langford 6. Caldwell
F 11. Snelling 20. Wright  25. Stringer
FOLL 24. Bryan 3. Parish 8. Hobbs
INT 13. Cox 16. Perkins 21. Heppell
  34. Phillips    
EMER 19. Hind 26. Baldwin 33. Davey Jnr.
  47. Menzie    

In: Cox, Phillips
Out: Weideman (omitted), Menzie (omitted), Hind (sub)