A total of four changes have been made to the team for the final game of the 2016 season.

Veterans Brendon Goddard and Courtenay Dempsey both make their return from injury, while Nick Kommer and Shaun McKernan have been recalled from Essendon VFL.

Both Kommer and McKernan have shown great signs for Essendon VFL over the last month, and will be looking to close out the regular AFL season on a positive note.

The team will be without handy half-forward Orazio Fantasia who will be kept out of the game with a minor groin complaint.

Ruckman Mark Jamar will return to Essendon VFL for their must win game against the Northern Blues.

Essendon will lose the experience of Adam Cooney and Mathew Stokes who have both officially retired. 

Fans are encouraged to get down to the MCG for the last time in 2016, as we say thanks to the players, members and fans who have stuck with us on what has been a difficult year.

As part of the celebrations the Club has organised a number of special events that will take place on the day including:

  • Special thank-you messages to members 
  • Prizes for those members who have attended every home and away game
  • Free entry for Kids under 15
  • Free footys from Skeeta each time we kick a goal
  • Post-match on ground celebrations

You can find more information about the celebrations by clicking here

Essendon vs. Carlton:

Round 23

2:10PM (AEST), Saturday August 27

MCG

Click here to see the Blues' team.

IN: B.Goddard, C.Dempsey, S.McKernan, N.Kommer

OUT: M.Jamar (Omitted), A.Cooney (Retired), M.Stokes (Retired), O.Fantasia (Groin)

B:        M Dea, M Hartley, M.Gleeson

HB:      B.Goddard, M.Brown, P.Ambrose

C:        D.Zaharakis, Z.Merrett, J.Long

HF:      J.Kelly, J.Laverde, A.McDonald-Tipungwuti

F:         D.Parish, J.Daniher, J.Merrett

Foll:    M.Leuenberger, C.Bird, C.Dempsey

IC: K.Langford, N.Kommer, C.McKenna, S.McKernan

Emergencies:  W.Hams, J.Simpkin, M.Jamar

Get all the Game Day information you need by visiting our Game Day Hub.