Essendon has made five changes to their team ahead of Friday night’s blockbuster against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

David Zaharakis, Ben Howlett, Heath Hocking, Joe Daniher and Tayte Pears have been added to the side for the top of the table clash against the Hawks.

Veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (back), Stewart Crameri (ankle), Nick O’Brien, Jackson Merrett and Nathan Lovett-Murray make way from the side that defeated Greater Western Sydney in Round 17.

Daniher comes in to play his third game at AFL level with Hocking returning having not played since Round 12 against the Gold Coast.

Jason Winderlich has failed to prove his fitness for the match and will miss his second game in a row with soreness.

Click here to see the full team.