Essendon VFL welcome back skipper Marcus Marigliani for its clash against Footscray Bulldogs on Sunday.

Marigliani has missed the last two matches due to a groin injury.

James Hird Academy member Tom Wallis is also an exciting inclusion, named as the 23rd man.

Sunday's match is set to be crucial to the VFL Bombers' chances to securing a top-four position.

The match will be broadcast on Channel Seven LIVE from 11.30am.

Round 16: Footscray V Essendon

Sunday 2nd August

Victoria University Whitten Oval at 11.42am

Full Squad:

Backs:

C. Dempsey, J. Ferry, A. Tipungwuti

Half Backs:

T. Wallis, K. Hardingham, D. Coghlan

Centreline:

Al. Browne, J. Schroder, S. Heavyside

Half-Forwards:

S. Edwards, P. Ambrose, J. Long

Forwards:

J. Ashby, T. Pears, J. Langford

Followers:

S.McKernan, K. Aylett, P. Chapman

Interchange:

J. Thompson, An. Browne, J. Polkinghorne

A. Steinberg, M. Marigliani, J. Freezer

S. Tagliabue, D. Myers, E. Kavanagh

H. Hocking, A. Hickey, C. McKenna

B. McNiece