Essendon has named its squad for the first practice match of 2025 against the Bulldogs at Mission Whitten Oval on Saturday.
As Saturday's clash is an unofficial game, the Bombers have opted to name a squad of 28 players all available to play on unlimited rotations.
A slew of draftees and uncapped Dons such as Isaac Kako, Angus Clarke, Rhys Unwin, Lewis Hayes and Saad El-Hawli have all been named to play, while the absence of stars Darcy Parish and Sam Durham could see extended opportunities for midfielders such as Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs.
Hayes and Zach Reid could also spend time leading the back six with Ben McKay sitting out, while SSP train-on players in Tom Edwards and eight-gamer Kaine Baldwin will also get the chance to suit up on the day.
Essendon's clash with the Dogs kicks off from 2pm AEDT on Saturday, streamed exclusively on KAYO. See the full squad below.
| GUERNSEY NO. | PLAYER |
| 1 | Andrew McGrath |
| 2 | Sam Draper |
| 4 | Kyle Langford |
| 5 | Elijah Tsatas |
| 6 | Jye Caldwell |
| 7 | Zach Merrett |
| 8 | Ben Hobbs |
| 9 | Dylan Shiel |
| 10 | Isaac Kako |
| 12 | Will Setterfield |
| 14 | Tom Edwards (SSP train-on) |
| 16 | Archie Perkins |
| 18 | Lewis Hayes |
| 20 | Peter Wright |
| 21 | Archie Roberts |
| 23 | Harrison Jones |
| 24 | Nick Bryan |
| 25 | Jaxon Prior |
| 26 | Kaine Baldwin (SSP train-on) |
| 27 | Mason Redman |
| 28 | Xavier Duursma |
| 29 | Jye Menzie |
| 30 | Nate Caddy |
| 31 | Zach Reid |
| 36 | Angus Clarke |
| 37 | Nic Martin |
| 38 | Rhys Unwin |
| 41 | Saad El-Hawli |
