Essendon VFL has selected a strong side for Sunday's meeting with Sandringham at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval. 

Jayden Laverde is one of the notable inclusions, returning from a hamstring injury sustained in round four of the VFL. 

Zac Clarke and David Myers have also been named, both of who will feature in their first VFL matches for the year.

Dylan Clarke will look to continue his impressive form in the centre, while Jordan Ridley will start in the back pocket despite playing some forward minutes last weekend. 

Skipper Aaron Heppell will start on the half-back flank, supported by vice-captains Heath Hocking (half-forward) and Danny Younan (forward pocket).

A number of first-year players have been named on the extended interchange, and could potentially make their senior debuts.

Trent Mynott is expected to miss at least another week with a minor calf strain. 

Tynan Smith has been named the 23^rd player.

Coming off the back of a 41-point loss to Casey, the VFL Dons will hope to get back on the winners list on Sunday from 2:10pm. 

Match updates will be available through the Essendon VFL twitter account.

The final team will be announced before the first bounce.

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.