Essendon has decided to rest forward Orazio Fantasia from this Sunday’s match against Geelong.

The 20 year old has kicked 25 goals this season, including 15 in the last six weeks.

After missing round one, he’s played every game this season, but Coach John Worsfold said Fantasia carried some soreness in recent weeks.

“Orazio has had a very good year especially as he’s settled into that forward role where he’s really been hitting the scoreboard for us,” Worsfold said.

“He got a rising star nomination and he’s up for that award this year which is a great effort.

“He’s just been a little bit sore in the last couple of weeks, so we felt the right thing to do was to let him get over that soreness so he can finish the year really strongly and we’re confident he’ll be able to do that.”

James Kelly, Jackson Merrett and Mitch Brown will return to the side for the game against the Cats, while Sam Grimley and Mason Redman have been named on the extended bench.

The final 22 will be named on Friday. 

James Polkinghorne is one of seven players named on the extended bench.

If the former Lion does make the final team, it’ll mark his 100^th AFL game.

“He has had to work hard and this year he’s been outstanding,” Worsfold said.

“He was really keen from the start, he’s worked amazingly hard in terms of being fit enough to contribute to the team.

“He hasn’t played too many games, he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities, but he’s always gone back to the VFL and played well and had a strong leadership role.

“If he hits his 100^th game, it’s a well earned milestone.”