Essendon has made one change to its side to face Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium this Saturday night.

Midfielder Ben Hobbs will make his first appearance at AFL level since round 10, following an impressive string of VFL performances over the past month.

Hobbs replaces winger Xavier Duursma, who's set to miss the next 3-4 weeks after straining his hamstring late in last week's thrilling one-point win over Fremantle.

The Bombers take on the SUNS from 7:30pm at Marvel Stadium this Saturday night.