Essendon has made five changes to its side ahead of its blockbuster elimination final against West Coast at Optus Stadium on Thursday.
The Bombers will get plenty of experience back into the line-up against the reigning premiers with captain Dyson Heppell, defender Cale Hooker and forwards Jake Stringer and Orazio Fantasia returning to the side.
Exciting mid-season recruit Will Snelling has also been included in the side for his first senior game since round 20.
Versatile defender Marty Gleeson will miss the huge match due to a minor calf injury, while key defender Michael Hartley and young Bombers Josh Begley, Dylan Clarke and Tuth Jok have been omitted.
FINAL TEAM
B – Adam Saad, Cale Hooker, Aaron Francis
HB – Conor McKenna, Michael Hurley, Mason Redman
C – Andrew McGrath, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish
HF – Jake Stringer, Shaun McKernan, Patrick Ambrose
F – Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Mitch Brown, Orazio Fantasia
R – Tom Bellchambers, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell
Interchange – Jayden Laverde, Kyle Langford, Will Snelling, Brayden Ham
Emergencies – Tuth Jok, Dylan Clarke, Michael Hartley, Jordan Ridley
IN – Heppell, Stringer, Fantasia, Hooker, Snelling
OUT – Gleeson (injured), Hartley, Begley, Jok, Clarke (all omitted)
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