Essendon Coach John Worsfold concedes he may have introduced Craig Bird into the side too early after an injury interrupted pre-season. 

The premiership winning Swan is one of three inclusions into the side to face Geelong in the inaugural ‘Country Game’ on Saturday at the MCG.

Conor McKenna and Jayden Laverde have also been recalled.

While Ryan Crowley, Jackson Merrett and Nick Kommer make way.

Bird landed at the Bombers during last year’s trade period after 137 games with Sydney.

He made his Essendon debut in round one, but missed out on selection over the next two weeks. 

Last week he had 27 possessions and laid ten tackles in the VFL.

“He’s one who had an interrupted pre-season after the injuries he came to the Club with from Sydney,” Worsfold said.

“He’s worked really hard to get himself right.

“We probably pushed him in to the side too early through the NAB Challenge and into round one.

“He’s now got his fitness up to the required level and we expect him to impact well for us.”

Laverde will make his first senior appearance of the season after an ankle problem restricted his preparation.

He now has two VFL games under his belt and Worsfold expects the second year player to split his time between the midfield and forward line against the Cats.

“He’s come back from an ankle injury and worked hard to get his fitness back up and his touch,” Worsfold said.

“He’s ready to go … and it’s another opportunity for him to get his career going.”

The Bombers are coming off an eight-day break, while Geelong will have had six days to recover from the win over Brisbane.

“The guys have recovered really well, we had a really good session today,” Worsfold said.

“Our preparation has been spot on, so they’re all excited about the challenge of taking on the 'Country Game' at the MCG.”