It is tough to get in the Essendon team at the moment – just ask Aaron Henneman and Ted Richards. Both have been omitted for the important clash against Melbourne this Saturday at the MCG. Youngster Jason Winderlich has been given another senior opportunity. The former Gippsland Power player debuted in Round 9 against Port Adelaide and played two more senior games before returning to the Bendigo Bombers. Veteran Steve Alessio has also been recalled to the seniors after being relegated to the VFL side in recent weeks.

Essendon squad:
B: M.Johnson, Fletcher, Welsh
HB:Wellman, Lucas, McPhee
C: Ramanauskas, J.Johnson, Solomon
HF: McVeigh, Bolton, Rioli
F: Cupido, Lloyd, Jacobs
Ruck: Hille, Peverill, Hird
Interchange: Alessio, Misiti, Bullen, Winderlich
Emergencies: McGrath, Barnard, Mercuri