Essendon has named six inclusions to an extended squad for Sunday's clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Aaron Francis replaces an injured Cale Hooker, while veteran ruckman Tom Bellchambers returns at the expense of omitted big man Andrew Phillips.
James Stewart, Tom Cutler, Dylan Clarke and Martin Gleeson are also in line for selection, included on an extended bench.
Should Stewart be selected, the clash will mark his first since round 11, 2018.
Senior coach John Worsfold praised the 26-year-old for his persistence during a challenging road back.
"It's great for him. He's worked extremely hard to get himself back (to full fitness), and then this year has thrown different obstacles at him which he hadn't planned for," Worsfold said.
"He's taken it all in his stride, his preparation has been great and he's moving very well. If he gets into that final line-up, we know he'll be ready to go."
The Bombers will trim their 26-man squad to 22 at 5pm AEST on Friday.
EXTENDED SQUAD - RD 8:
Backs: Mason Redman, Aaron Francis, Michael Hurley
Half-backs: Conor McKenna, Jordan Ridley, Adam Saad
Centre: Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett, Brayden Ham
Half-forwards: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, David Zaharakis, Will Snelling
Forwards: Orazio Fantasia, Jacob Townsend, Devon Smith
Followers: Tom Bellchambers, Darcy Parish, Andrew McGrath
Interchange (from): Shaun McKernan, Jayden Laverde, Mitch Hibberd, Ned Cahill, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson, Tom Cutler, Dylan Clarke
In: Bellchambers, Francis, Stewart, Gleeson, Cutler, Clarke
Out: Hooker (calf), Phillips (omitted)
