A handful of players will return to the senior line after impressive performances for Essendon VFL over the last few weeks.

The side will regain the services of ruckman Shaun McKernan, midfielder Nick O’Brien, the hard bodied Patrick Ambrose and speedy youngster Orazio Fantasia.

Interim coach Matthew Egan believes the changes were important after last week’s defeat at the hands of the Adelaide Crows.

An obvious lack of speed has been addressed by the coaching panel with the inclusion of Orazio Fantasia.

The youngster has missed the last six weeks after suffering a quad injury, but has demonstrated great form in the VFL last week.

“It’s really good to have (Fantasia) back,” Egan said.

“He had a really good game last week off half-back and will give us the run we’re looking for.”

In his first week at the helm, Egan was keen to introduce some more endurance running into the side, something that he believes both Nick O’Brien and Patrick Ambrose will be able to provide.

O’Brien gets a second chance at senior level after David Myers was unable to overcome a back injury suffered last week.

The talented midfielder has impressed over the last month, but was dropped to the VFL side after a disappointing performance against the GWS Giants.

“(O’Brien) gives us really good endurance running which is what we feel we missed last week late in the game,” Egan said.

“It’s a good opportunity for him again to show what he can do as a midfielder.

“He plays his man tight and will hopefully generate some ball movement for us as well.”

Big man Shaun McKernan also returns for the injured Jonathan Giles, after demonstrating some dominant performances over the last few weeks.

Egan is expecting a dedicated contest from McKernan both in the ruck and around the ground.

“(McKernan) plays with real confidence in the VFL and we need to see that in the AFL team,” Egan said.

“We need clearances and we need him to work their ruckman around the ground as well.”

After what has been a trying week for everyone at the club, Egan believes the game will help clear the minds of the players.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to go away together and spend time together after obviously a pretty weird week for the player,” he said.

“It was a really good training session today so we’re excited and hopefully we perform for the Essendon footy club.”