With a make-or-break elimination final looming on Sunday, Essendon look set to be boosted by the return of a number of key players.

Veteran defender Dustin Fletcher returns from injury this week, while hard-nut Heath Hocking has also been included in a 25-man squad after serving a one-match suspension. Sam Lonergan, Ricky Dyson and Tom Bellchambers have also been included in the squad.

Andrew Welsh (knee) and Cale Hooker (omitted) come out of the team that defeated Port Adelaide in Round 23.