Essendon will welcome back star defender Jordan Ridley to its Dreamtime at the 'G lineup against Richmond.
Saturday night's marquee match will see the 2020 Crichton medallist play his first AFL game of the season after returning via the Bombers' VFL side last week from successive quad injuries.
In only half a game, the 25-year-old registered 19 disposals and oozed class, suggesting he's more than ready to return to the Dons' senior lineup.
Also returning to the best 23 is utility Nik Cox, who was a late withdrawal in round 10 due to illness.
Bombers fans learned on Wednesday the club would debut it's top draft pick from the 2023 national draft in Nate Caddy.
After an untimely back injury late in pre-season, Caddy has worked his way into selection form through the VFL.
The 19-year-old has been a key target, hitting the scoreboard eight times, including three games where he has scored two majors.
Making way for the side's three inclusions are midfielder Elijah Tsatas (omitted), midfielder Dylan Shiel (omitted) and forward Harrison Jones (suspended).
Fans who hold a valid match day ticket for Dreamtime at the 'G are able to attend the club's VFL curtain-raiser against Richmond at the MCG from 2:35pm.
Essendon Dreamtime at the 'G team v Richmond
|
B: |
14. Ridley |
32. McKay |
15. Laverde |
|
HB: |
37. Martin |
27. Redman |
1. McGrath |
|
C: |
21. Heppell |
22. Durham |
29. Kelly |
|
HF: |
11.Gresham |
30. Caddy |
16. Perkins |
|
F: |
25. Stringer |
20. Wright |
4. Langford |
|
Foll: |
17. Goldstein |
6. Caldwell |
7. Merrett © |
|
Int: |
8. Hobbs |
13. Cox |
19. Hind |
|
|
33. A.Davey |
35. Guelfi |
|
|
Emg: |
5. Tsatas |
24. Bryan |
47. Menzie |
Ins: 13. Cox, 14. Ridley, 30. Caddy
Outs: 5. Tsatas (omit), 9. Shiel (omit), 23. Jones (susp)
