Essendon VFL has named its side to take on the Tigers in a curtain raiser to Dreamtime at the 'G.
With Jordan Ridley recalled to the AFL side and exciting draftee Nate Caddy set for his senior debut, the VFL Bombers have called upon key forward Jack Jedwab, while veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel also slots back into the side.
Bendigo Pioneers Captain Dayten Uerata will also make his VFL debut for the Dons on the MCG - featuring in both Young Guns games earlier this season, the 19-year-old will be an exciting prospect to watch on the big stage.
The trio of Lewis Hayes, Sam Weideman and Zach Reid will once again hold the fort in defence this week.
Essendon's VFL clash with Richmond begins from 2:35pm AEST, with gates opening at 2:15pm for fans with a valid ticket to the AFL game.
Gates one, three and six will be open for fans looking to attend.
Essendon VFL round nine team v Richmond
| B | M. Foley (73) | Z. Reid (31) | L. Hayes (18) |
| HB | B. Scott (77) | S. Weideman (10) | L. Lual (34) |
| C | J. Menzie (47) | E. Tsatas (5)* | A. Roberts (38) |
| HF | X. O'Neill (55) | C. Gray (81) | T. Wanganeen (40) |
| F | J. Davey (36) | J. Jedwab (68) | V. Visentini (39) |
| R | N. Bryan (24) | J. Hately (50) | D. Shiel (9) |
| INT | S. McKay (80) | J. Peris (53) | C. Nyko (65) |
| O. Smartt (83) | D. Uerata (86) | ||
| 23rd Player | D. Uerata (86) | ||
| EMG | J. Eckersley (58) | W. Hoare (51) | R. Monti (52) |
| A. Molan (82) | |||
Ins: D. Shiel, D. Uerata, J. Jedwab
Outs: N. Caddy (AFL), J. Ridley (AFL), A. Molan, J. Eckersley
*: Elijah Tsatas has been named as a late inclusion to Essendon's AFL squad due to Ben Hobbs' calf injury.
His replacement in the VFL side will be confirmed closer to the game.
