Essendon has recalled Nick Kommer for the clash with Carlton on Saturday. 

The 25 year old hasn’t played since round three and has played just two games over the last three seasons. 

But Kommer has featured at VFL level on 12 occasions this year and Coach John Worsfold said his form warranted a call-up.

“He’s worked really hard throughout this year,” Worsfold said.

“He missed most of the pre-season.  He got up and going earlier in the year but we could see his legs weren’t quite as strong as what they should have been.

“We took him out of the VFL for a month and put him on a pretty heavy program to rebuild some core strength.

“He embraced that and it has been a matter of just slowly seeing him improve his form at VFL level.

“He’s a very selfless, team player and he’s really been a big part of the form of our VFL team over the last month or so.

“He earns his spot to come in and replace [Orazio] Fantasia who is out injured.”

Courtenay Dempsey, Shaun McKernan and Brendon Goddard return to the side.

The Captain has missed the last two weeks with a groin injury, but is back to full fitness and will lead the team out on Saturday.

“He’s had a very good year, a very consistent year,” Worsfold said.

“In a really challenging year he’s been a big part of the players being able to maintain their positivity and their form throughout the year.

“It’s a credit to him and he was very keen to get back and make sure he was available for the last game of the year, so it’s great to have him back out there.”

Orazio Fantasia will miss the game with a groin complaint, while Mark Jamar returns to the VFL.

Adam Cooney now joins Mathew Stokes as being ‘officially’ retired.

The Brownlow medal winner played his 250^th match last week not knowing if it would be his last, but Worsfold said the Club was keen to give other players an opportunity.

“We’re rapt Adam was keen to play and put his hand up to say ‘I can play if you want me to’,” Worsfold said.

“In reflecting on all of that, there was the opportunity to have a look at some players, give them the opportunity to put their hand up for a future spot on our list.

“I spoke to Adam about it and we mutually agreed that he’s played his 250^th and last game of AFL footy.”