Essendon started with Tom Bellchambers, Dyson Heppell, Brendon Goddard and Zach Merrett in at the centre bounce.
Joe Daniher, Cale Hooker, Ben Howlett, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Orazio Fantasia and Josh Green are part of the forward mix. Sam Frost has the job on Daniher.
Michael Hurley, Mitch Brown, Mark Baguley, Matt Dea, Andrew McGrath and Martin Gleeson are playing in defence.
Baguley has the job on Jeff Garlett.
Both side wasted opportunities in the first quarter. After Melbourne made a bright start, the Dons wrested control in the middle of the quarter, but the final kick inside 50 let them down.
