Essendon Coach John Worsfold says Jobe Watson will play in the Bombers JLT Community Series match against Collingwood on Thursday.
The match will be the first time Watson has run out in the red and black in 592 days.
Worsfold told Triple M he expects most of the returning players to line-up in the match against the Pies.
“There is likely to be six or seven playing … Jobe will play, he’s really excited,” he said.
“We’re going to take a little while to let the side settle and work out how it’s going to look and what we believe our best line-up is.
“We’re rapt with the talent in the squad now, the experience and the young talent that we unearthed last year and the way that’s coming through.
“This year it’s just excitement and looking forward and planning ahead for what we want to create at the Essendon Football Club.
“It’s a great, big Club with unbelievable history, but we’ve got the opportunity now to create our own legacy.”
