Adam Cooney will line up against his old team for the first time this weekend.

The former Western Bulldog has been recalled to the Essendon side after overcoming a hamstring injury.

The Brownlow medalist has had two injury setbacks this season costing him several matches.

“Obviously we’ve been disappointed with the injuries, as has Adam,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

“We want to see more of him in the next five or six weeks.”

Cooney played 219 games with the Bulldogs after joining the club as the number one draft pick in the 2003 National Draft.

The 29 year old returns to the Essendon side after averaging 16 possessions and more than a goal a game in his nine matches with the club.

He regained some match fitness in the VFL last Saturday, collecting 24 disposals and kicking a goal.

“We want to give him that opportunity and look forward to next year’s season and pre-season,” Hird said.

“We’ve been reasonably happy with him on the field and off the field he’s been a quality person that we like having around the football club.”