Essendon will make at least three changes to its side to take on Brisbane on Sunday with young gun Jordan Ridley unable to prove his fitness.

Ridley joins midfielder David Zaharakis on the sidelines after suffering a minor knee injury, while key forward James Stewart has been omitted from the side.

Coach John Worsfold said he didn’t expect Ridley to be out for more than a week.

“Jordan’s knee got sore late in the game (against Richmond) and it didn’t quite come up today, he couldn’t hit top speed, so he’s unavailable with that sore knee,” Worsfold said on Thursday.

“We expect it should only be a one-week injury.”

Stewart was held goalless against the Tigers last week and Worsfold highlighted what he expects to see from the tall in the VFL this week.

“James Stewart is out of the side really just through he hasn’t been hitting his best form over the last few weeks, so it gives us an opportunity for someone else to come in,” he said.

“James is fit, he works hard, so really just getting back to playing the style of footy we know he can play.

“Hard work up and down the ground, be a really good target inside-50, so really just playing his best footy that we know he can play.”

Promising defender Aaron Francis has been included in the extended squad for the first time this year since returning from personal leave and Worsfold said it was “awesome” to have him back in the mix.

“I’ve been excited over the last month to have Aaron just looking like he’s enjoying his footy and enjoying life, so that’s been our priority.

“To have him in good form now where he’s back in the squad is a credit to him and a credit to all of the coaches that have been working with him and it’s wonderful to see.”

Mason Redman is in line to play his first senior game since round nine in 2016 after hitting the ground running in the VFL this year.

“Mason’s been in great form for most of the season and putting his hand up waiting for an opportunity so that comes for him this week, so we’re really excited with what he can bring,” Worsfold said.

Experienced pair Josh Green and Mitch Brown could return to the side off the back of strong performances in the VFL, while David Myers may add some grunt into the midfield.

Worsfold said he was confident all three could replicate their good form at The Gabba if selected.

“All those guys, no doubt, they’re in good touch. And again, their attitude has been great while they’ve been waiting for an opportunity to get back into the squad,” he said.

“We’re really pleased with…what they’ve been doing with their own form, how they’ve helped some of the younger guys in the VFL develop and how they’re ready for their opportunity if they make the final cut.”

Tough midfielder Dylan Clarke has put his hand up for his second game, while Jackson Merrett remains in the frame to be picked.

“They’ve both been in good form all year as well, Jacko playing at half-forward or on the wing and mixing his time up there,” Worsfold said.

“He’s been in the team and in the squad for a fair part of the year and keeps playing good footy.

“Dylan would have been disappointed to go out of the team after we had a good win against Geelong, but really he’s in good form and just ready for his next opportunity when it may present itself as well.”

The season will be on the line for the Bombers this week with the first bounce set for 1:10pm on Sunday.

EXTENDED SQUAD:
B – Dea, Hooker, Merrett
HB – Saad, Brown, Hurley
C – Heppell, Goddard, McGrath
HF – Smith, McKernan, McKenna
F – Baguley, Stringer, McDonald-Tipungwuti
R – Bellchambers, Langford, Fantasia
I/C – Redman, Myers, Guelfi, Laverde, Green, Merrett, Clarke, Francis