Essendon, unbeaten after the first nine rounds of season 2000, was strengthened at the selection table last night with the return of Dustin Fletcher and Justin Blumfield from injury.

Both will have their final hit-out at the side's final training run this afternoon and assuming they come through unscathed they will play against Adelaide.

Fletcher missed last week's match against Melbourne with a slight groin strain - missing the match despite training during the week.

Fletcher trained for a short time on Wednesday but is expected to complete a full session this afternoon.

Blumfield suffered from a corked hip after a collision with Shaun Hart at the Gabba two weeks ago.

Despite being fit enough to play against Melbourne, the club's medical and coaching staff decided to err on the side of safety and Blumfield watched last week's match from the stands.

Selectors have also named Sean Denham in the squad of 25. Denham has been brilliant in the reserves in recent weeks and is putting enormous pressure on selectors to include him this weekend.