Essendon VFL has named a strong side for its round 17 clash with Williamstown, as it looks to reclaim top spot on the ladder.

Following last weekend’s bye, the VFL Dons will also be searching for their seventh straight win when they arrive at Downer Oval on Saturday.

Versatile defender Michael Hartley could return to the line-up pending AFL selection.

The 26-year-old has been named in the squad along with David Myers, Jayden Laverde, Mark Baguley, Ben McNiece and Josh Begley, all of whom sit on an extended bench for Essendon's AFL clash with Gold Coast and won't have their availability determined until Friday evening.

In form ball-winner Trent Mynott and vice-captain Danny Younan will line-up as ruck rovers.

Promising tall Brandon Zerk-Thatcher will act as the key defender, with support from Bruno Laguda and AFL-listed players Matt Dea, Tom Jok and Jordan Ridley. 

Fresh off his three goal performance against North Melbourne, emerging forward Noah Gown will line up at half-forward next to vice-captain Heath Hocking.

Jordan Houlahan, Josh Tynan and Nino Lazzaro make up the remainder of the forward line. 

Skipper Aaron Heppell will lead from the centre alongside attacking defender Jake Long and speedster Brayden Ham.

Daniel Hanna retains his spot as 23^rd player. 

The final team will be decided before the first bounce at 2pm on Saturday, July 27. 

Live match updates will be available via Essendon VFL’s Twitter.

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.