Essendon has made two changes for its clash with the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium on Friday night, naming AFL debutant Ned Cahill and recalling defender Mason Redman.
The pair replace Dylan Shiel (suspended) and Gleeson (managed) from last week's team which defeated North Melbourne.
ESSENDON'S RD 7 TEAM:
Backs: 18. Michael Hurley, 26. Cale Hooker, 27. Mason Redman
Half-backs: 42. Adam Saad, 14. Jordan Ridley, 11. David Zaharakis
Centre: 33. Brayden Ham, 1. Andrew McGrath, 7. Zach Merrett
Half-forwards: 3. Darcy Parish, 40. Will Snelling, 13. Orazio Fantasia
Forwards: 43. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, 44. Shaun McKernan, 20. Jacob Townsend
Followers: 34. Andrew Phillips, 46. Mitch Hibberd, 28. Ned Cahill
Interchange: 45. Conor McKenna, 5. Devon Smith, 4. Kyle Langford, 15. Jayden Laverde
Emergencies: 2. Tom Bellchambers, 8. Martin Gleeson, 10. Aaron Francis, 37. Dylan Clarke
In: Cahill, Redman
Out: Shiel (suspended), Gleeson (managed)
New: Ned Cahill (Dandenong Stingrays)
Selected at pick No.56 in last year's draft, Cahill will become the 1168th player to don the sash.
The crafty small forward starred for Vic Metro and Dandenong Stingrays in his draft year, rated as elite by Champion Data for goals (1.4), score assists (1.7) and score involvements (6.4) in the NAB League and above average for disposals (18.3) and contested possessions (8.8).
Senior coach John Worsfold said the 19-year-old would bring added spark.
"He's been impressive since he arrived at the club and really impressive in our match simulation games that we've had over the last few weeks," Worsfold said.
"He moves really well, he's quick, a clean ball-handler and is just very crafty. He knows how to find space and uses the ball really well."
Essendon is taking no risks with Gleeson, who suffered an injury in last week's win over North Melbourne.
With the AFL flagging five-day breaks for teams between rounds nine and 13, Worsfold said it was important the Bombers kept their list healthy.
"He got a pretty heavy knock to his hamstring last week. He's got through training, but there's a bigger risk if he plays through that injured hamstring, there is a chance he could get a tear in it," he said.
"We've got a really healthy list and we have Mason Redman available, so we think that's the best scenario to go with in the environment we're currently in."
Despite fracturing his hand against North Melbourne and undergoing surgery on Tuesday, Conor McKenna has been named to face the Bulldogs.
Worsfold said the 24-year-old still had to pass another fitness test tomorrow, but would be given every chance to play.
"It (being named) shows the confidence and toughness of Conor," he said.
"He's really bullish about it but he still has to show us what he can do. That decision will be made as late as possible."
The Bombers will be looking to consolidate their position in the top four when they face the Bulldogs from 7:50pm AEST, with the match shown live on Channel Seven.
