Essendon has opted to rest Joe Daniher for its Powercor Country Festival clash with Geelong at the Gabba.

The 26-year-old has been replaced by Jacob Townsend, while Mason Redman has been recalled for the injured Andrew McGrath as the Bombers make two changes.

Sunday's match would have marked Daniher's third in 11 days, with the club taking a conservative approach despite the comeback forward feeling good.

"There's been two games within a really short period, but Joe's pulled up really well," senior coach John Worsfold said.

"The biggest part of the decision to manage him this week was the fact that it's a real unknown how he'll go with three games in really short succession.

"It's a real precautionary thing with a long-term view in mind for Joe's best interests. We'd love to have him out there, but we really feel this is the best decision to make."

The Bombers will go head-to-head with the Cats from 3:35pm AEST, with all the action shown live on Channel 7. Read our comprehensive match preview.

ESSENDON'S ROUND 16 LINE-UP:

Backs: Martin Gleeson, Michael Hurley, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Half-backs: Matt Guelfi, Jordan Ridley, Adam Saad
Centre: Kyle Langford, Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett
Half-forwards: Will Snelling, Cale Hooker, Irving Mosquito
Forwards: Jake Stringer, James Stewart, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Followers: Sam Draper, Dylan Shiel, Darcy Parish
Interchange: Devon Smith, Mason Redman, Dylan Clarke, Jacob Townsend
Emergencies: Brayden Ham, Tom Cutler, Andrew Phillips, Josh Begley

In: Townsend, Redman

Out: Daniher (managed), McGrath (syndesmosis)