Essendon has locked in its first line-up of 2025 for a blockbuster Friday night encounter against old rivals Hawthorn.

Two new faces will join the fray in former Lion Jaxon Prior and AFL debutant Isaac Kako, looking to bolster the Dons at each end of the ground for their first games in red and black.

Youngsters Elijah Tsatas and Ben Hobbs have each been named, adding solid depth to the midfield stocks, while defender Zach Reid is set for his first AFL game since round one of 2024.

Skipper Zach Merrett will also lead out a group of experienced Dons in the season opener, with the expanded leadership group of Andrew McGrath, Kyle Langford, Nic Martin and Mason Redman all named alongside him.

The Dons take on the Hawks at the MCG from 7:40pm AEDT this Friday, broadcast on KAYO, Fox and Channel 7.