The inclusion of Heath Hocking will help lift the performances of the other Essendon midfielders according to Bombers great Matthew Lloyd.

Hocking hasn’t played all season but returns to play the Giants after four matches in the VFL.

“I think Hocking will be fantastic, like a Jobe Watson in a sense, for Dyson Heppell through that midfield,” Lloyd said.

“He’s still getting some good numbers but he’s probably not having the effect he’d like because he’s just under so much pressure from the opposition.

“Losing Hocking, a player like Myers, Melksham in recent weeks really does hurt that depth so it’s going to be great to have Heath back who’s a really strong leader on the field as well.

Shaun Edwards and Courtenay Dempsey also return to the side. 

Dempsey could play in the forward line after kicking seven goals in his last two VFL games.

“I think it’s reinvigorated him,” Lloyd said.

“He’s been on a half-back flank for many years and I think he’s really enjoying that change in role.

“He’s banged the door down with his VFL form, so I think he’s exactly what Essendon is looking for.”