Patrick Ambrose is back in the Essendon line-up for the first time since ANZAC Day. 

The defender has spent almost three months on the sidelines with back-to-back quad injuries.

He was among three inclusions for the clash against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.

Ambrose has played the last two weeks in the VFL and Coach John Worsfold said the 25 year old is ready to return to the senior side. 

“Conditioning is never an issue with Paddy, he’s super fit, he works unbelievably hard on keeping himself in good shape,” Worsfold said.

“He’s done a great rehab program – it has been a long one but we’ve taken extra care to make sure he was right to go so he’s hard, hungry and ready to come out and play a big role for us.”

Josh Green has also been recalled after missing the last two games with a hamstring injury.

The small forward has booted 15 goals from his 14 games so far this year.

“He gives us a pretty good balance in our forward line,” Worsfold said.

“He works in really well with the ‘talls’ but also the other small forwards.

“They know their roles, they work really well together and Josh probably sets up more goals than he may kick but the success of the other boys has been a big part in the way he plays his role as well.”

Ben Howlett is the third inclusion to the side with James Kelly and Andrew McGrath rested, while Jayden Laverde was left out.

Howlett has played five games at AFL level this season.

He has averaged 24 disposals and eight tackles across his eight games at VFL level.

“Ben’s attitude has been outstanding,” Worsfold said.

“We sat down and had a good look at what we thought our best line-up was and he’s totally aware of where he sat in that mix. 

“He’s come in and played a pretty good role for us several times this year.

“Unfortunately he hasn’t been able to hold his spot because of the mix of other players coming through but he’s always played his role for the team and we’ve got no doubt he’ll contribute to us winning the game this week.” 

A win for the Bombers could see the side move back inside the top eight. 

“We would love to have it as loud and as passionate as it has ever been,” Worsfold said. 

“It was a pretty special memory from last year in the last game of the year when the supporters hung around and really cheered off the effort of the players for the year.

“This time it (the support) can boost us to get over the Blues and send us on our way for the remaining games of the year.”