Essendon VFLW has been forced to make changes to its side ahead of Saturday’s match against Darebin at Windy Hill.             

Skipper Courtney Ugle has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2019 season due to a fractured ankle sustained during the game against Collingwood.       

Vice-captain Hayley Bullas has also been struck with injury, suffering a partial ACL tear in round seven. Based on advice received, the decision was made to sit out the remaining six games of the season to allow Bullas the best chance for AFLW selection.                

Star recruit Ally Anderson will also miss another week due to commitments with Brisbane AFLW’s Winter Series.        

Calder Cannons recruit Terira Fry will make her debut in the red and black alongside fellow rookie Marianna Anthony, following stellar performances from the pair in last week’s practice match against GWS.                    

Fry played a starring role in the Cannons' 2019 NAB League season, averaging five disposals and four tackles a game.     

The 17-year-old has been named the 23^rd player.    

Anthony comes from a soccer background, featuring in South Melbourne’s Women’s National Premier League side and is expected to add poise and skill to the side.

Simone Nalder will captain the Bombers for the first time this year and will once again act as a key offensive post, recording a round-high 40 hitouts in the game against Collingwood.    

Alex Quigley returns to the line-up in the forward pocket, with support from Jessica Stassi and Lori Stepnell.     

At the opposite end, Chloe Laan and Eleanor Cornish will start in defence.    

Lauren Ahrens has also been named to return, after being sidelined for a number of weeks with concussion.  

Following a best-on-ground performance against the Magpies and earning a second consecutive spot in the VFLW Team of the Week, Kirby Hicks will start at half-back.     

Tessa Zagontinos, Natalie MacDonald, Irena Malliaris and Alexa Madden have been named on the extended bench.      

The Bombers will be looking to get back on the winners list, having suffered a 20-point loss to Collingwood in round nine.   

The final team will be decided ahead of the first bounce at 12pm on Saturday.

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

Victoria Raptis 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.