Essendon has confirmed its team to take on the Casey Demons in the preliminary final at Stannards Stadium.
AFL Bomber Jordan Houlahan will enter the side after missing the last two weeks with a hamstring complaint.
Coach Dan Jordan says he is excited at what the 19-year-old forward will bring to the Bombers.
“I thought his last game that he played was his best at VFL level. He used his assets in terms of his marking and also his pace and he kicked three goals,” Jordan said.
“He’ll be a good inclusion for us and he’ll look to play a similar role up forward and on the wing.
“He’ll be chomping at the bit to go.”
Trent Mynott, Alex Boyse and Joe Harrison will miss through injuries sustained in the semi-final win over Richmond, but Jordan said he has been impressed by the way they have responded and supported their teammates throughout the week.
With Saturday’s blockbuster set to be the Bombers’ first preliminary final appearance since 2015, Jordan believes his side is ready to take the next step on its biggest stage yet.
“We’ve had a mantra all year of next man up,” he said.
“In our first two finals, our VFL guys have played their role with aplomb and it’s probably been a difference in results for us.”
The Bombers will face the Demons on Saturday at Stannards Stadium from 2.10pm.
PRELIMINARY FINAL TEAM:
B – Francis, Hartley, McNiece
HB – Hind, Ridley, Zerk-Thatcher
C – J. Merrett, Clarke, Long
HF – A. Heppell, Houlahan, Younan
F – Green, Stewart, McQueen
R – Draper, Mutch, Hocking
I/C – Berry, Sibbald, Huntly, Ottavi, Laguda, Sheahan, Collins, Dixon
23P – Lazzaro
