Essendon has made three changes to its side for its massive clash with Sydney at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Key forward Jake Stringer will make his return after overcoming a leg injury that has kept him on the sidelines in the Bombers’ last two games, while young Don Matt Guelfi will also take his place in the side after proving his fitness.

Zac Clarke is the third inclusion, taking over from injured ruckman Tom Bellchambers.

Young Bombers Josh Begley and Kyle Langford have been omitted from the team due to availability and team balance.

Aaron Francis, who replaced injured defender Patrick Ambrose as a late change for the side’s impressive victory over the Giants in round 15, has held his spot.

The first bounce is set for 1:45pm at the MCG.

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

IN – Stringer, Guelfi, Clarke
OUT – Bellchambers (injured), Begley (omitted), Langford (omitted)