Exciting young midfielder Dylan Clarke will make his long-awaited return to Essendon’s senior line-up on Sunday against Carlton as one of two confirmed changes to the side.

The 20-year-old has not been able to break back into the team since his senior debut in round nine last year but has been in sensational form since for the VFL Bombers.

Clarke was named Essendon’s best performer in its narrow loss to Richmond in the VFL last week, gathering 31 disposals, six tackles and five inside 50s, impressing with his intensity in the contest.

Experienced small forward Mark Baguley is the second inclusion for the crucial clash with the Blues at the MCG, being quickly recalled after booting two goals and laying seven tackles in the same match against the Tigers.

As previously announced, the pair will replace injured duo Jake Stringer and Dylan Shiel, who are both recovering from hamstring injuries.

FINAL TEAM
B – Aaron Francis, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley
HB – Conor McKenna, Patrick Ambrose, Adam Saad
C – Mason Redman, Zach Merrett, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
HF – David Zaharakis, Jayden Laverde, Josh Begley
F – Darcy Parish, Shaun McKernan, Andrew McGrath
R – Tom Bellchambers, Kyle Langford, Dyson Heppell
Interchange – Ben McNiece, Matt Guelfi, Dylan Clarke, Mark Baguley
Emergencies – Jordan Ridley, Zac Clarke, Mitch Brown, Irving Mosquito

IN – D. Clarke, Baguley
OUT – Stringer, Shiel