Essendon has made four changes to its line-up ahead of its blockbuster clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

Mid-season recruit Will Snelling will make his senior debut as a Bomber, while experienced Don Michael Hartley will return for his first senior game since ANZAC Day, 2018.

The side will be boosted by the inclusion of inspirational skipper Dyson Heppell, who has overcome the foot soreness that saw him miss the side’s victories over Sydney and North Melbourne.

Athletic defender Patrick Ambrose has also been recalled after conquering a quad injury in a timely return with fellow defender Michael Hurley missing due to an AC joint injury.

Orazio Fantasia (hip) and ruckman Zac Clarke (illness) join Hurley on the sidelines, while young forward Jayden Laverde has been managed.

The game is set to begin at 7:20pm (ACST) on Friday.

FINAL TEAM:
B – Mason Redman, Cale Hooker, Martin Gleeson
HB – Conor McKenna, Michael Hartley, Adam Saad
C – Andrew McGrath, Zach Merrett, David Zaharakis
HF – Matt Guelfi, Aaron Francis, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
F – Darcy Parish, Mitch Brown, Dylan Clarke
R – Shaun McKernan, Will Snelling, Dylan Shiel
Interchange – Patrick Ambrose, Jake Stringer, Dyson Heppell, Kyle Langford
Emergencies – Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Josh Begley, Jayden Laverde, Brayden Ham

IN – Snelling, Heppell, Ambrose, Hartley
OUT – Hurley (shoulder), Fantasia (hip), Clarke (illness), Laverde (managed)