Several fresh faces are set to officially line up in the red and black for the first time when Essendon takes on West Coast in the Marsh Community Series on Thursday.

Exciting young forward Harry Jones, Irish draftee Cian McBride, new ruckman Andrew Phillips and pre-season recruit Jacob Townsend will all get their chance to impress selectors ahead of the home and away season against the Eagles at Mineral Resources Park.

Unsigned pair Nigel Lockyer and Brynn Teakle will also take part in the match as they stake their claim to be picked for the final position on the club’s playing list.

Lockyer is a big-bodied Northern Territorian who was utilised in a variety of positions in the side’s unofficial scratch match against Melbourne last week, while West Australian Teakle was used predominantly in the ruck.

2018 Crichton medallist Devon Smith will make his long-awaited return from the knee injury that curtailed his 2019 season, while experienced defender Michael Hurley (shoulder) and dangerous forward Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (calf) will also return from injuries.

The first bounce is set for 7:40pm (AEDT). Click here for full match info.

FINAL TEAM
FB – Aaron Francis, Michael Hurley, Martin Gleeson
HB – Jordan Ridley, Cian McBride, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
C – David Zaharakis, Andrew McGrath, Matt Guelfi
HF – Irving Mosquito, Devon Smith, Jayden Laverde
FF – Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Shaun McKernan, Orazio Fantasia
FOL – Andrew Phillips, Dylan Shiel, Zach Merrett
Interchange – Harry Jones, Jacob Townsend, Kyle Langford, Brayden Ham, Will Snelling, Darcy Parish, Nigel Lockyer, Brynn Teakle
Emergencies – Kobe Mutch, Josh Begley, Nick Bryan, Dylan Clarke