Essendon will bring James Hird back into the side this week after missing the first two games of the season with a calf strain. Hird along with Bolton, Reynolds and Winderlich will be admissions into the Bomber squad. David Hille is the only change so far due to a forced suspension.

The Essendon team for Sunday’s clash with the Bulldogs is:

Backs: Bradley Fletcher McVeigh
Half Backs: Lovett-Murray Solomon Welsh
Centres: Slattery Watson Monfries
Half Forwards: Stanton McPhee Heffernan
Forwards: Hird Lloyd Lucas
Rucks: Ryder J.Johnson M.Johnson
Interchange: Bolton Lovett Camporeale Winderlich Reynolds Peverill Dyson

In: Hird Bolton Reynolds Winderlich
Out: Hille (susp)