Michael Hurley has been named to make his return to the Essendon side this weekend against Gold Coast. 

The defender has missed the last three weeks with a knee problem. 

“With the season he was having he’s crucial for our defence and attack because he generates the most metres gained at our club,” Essendon interim Coach Matthew Egan said. 

“He’s also the key back and plays on the best forward every week.” 

Despite his recent injury Hurley remains one of the AFL's leading rebounders from the defensive 50.

Hurley’s absence has been significant with the side conceding 60 goals across the last three weeks. 

“What has probably been undervalued is his importance as a leader because he does drive standards and demands the best out of people around him,” Egan said. 

“We’re really happy to have him back.” 

Orazio Fantasia, Shaun McKernan, Nick O’Brien and Patrick Ambrose also return to the side for Saturday's match.

David Myers and Jonathan Giles will miss through injury, while Tayte Pears, Ariel Steinberg and Kyle Langford have been left out.