Star young midfielder Andrew McGrath will have his first hitout of 2021 on Saturday night. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Essendon will welcome back star young midfielder Andrew McGrath in a 26-man team to face Geelong at GMHBA Stadium in the AAMI Community Series on Saturday night.

The clash will mark McGrath's first hitout of 2021, with the 22-year-old missing the recent intra-club match and practice match against Carlton under the AFL's new concussion protocols after receiving a head knock at training.

McGrath's return will be a welcome sight for Bombers fans, who will also get a first glimpse of second-year ruckman Nick Bryan.

The No.38 selection from the 2019 NAB AFL Draft has been named on the interchange, and will partner Sam Draper in the ruck.

Nick Bryan and Sam Draper will share ruck duties on Saturday night. (Photo: AFL Photos)

Top-10 draftees Nik Cox and Archie Perkins have retained their spots in the side that met Carlton last week, while new rookie Alec Waterman will join Harrison Jones and Peter Wright inside attacking 50.

The new-look forward trio combined for eight goals against the Blues, with Waterman (four) leading all comers.

02:36

Media conference | Nick Hind

Defender Nick Hind speaks to the media outside the NEC Hangar.

The Bombers will go head to head with the Cats from 7:10pm AEDT in the pre-season edition of the annual Powercor Country Festival Game.

Tickets are still available here, following today's announcement that GMHBA Stadium's capacity would be increased to 50 per cent.

Please note: All tickets must be pre-purchased and won't be available at the venue on match day. Members are unable to scan their membership at the gate for general admission entry. Fans who have already purchased a ticket, please ensure you download your mobile tickets before arriving at the venue. Staff at the venue will be on hand to assist.

GEELONG v ESSENDON
7:10pm AEDT, Saturday, March 6
GMHBA Stadium
Live on Fox Footy, Kayo

ESSENDON'S TEAM:

Backs: James Stewart, Aaron Francis, Jayden Laverde
Half-backs: Nick Hind, Jordan Ridley, Dyson Heppell
Centre: Kyle Langford, Zach Merrett, Nik Cox
Half-forwards: Dylan Shiel, Harrison Jones, Will Snelling
Forwards: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Peter Wright, Cale Hooker
Followers: Sam Draper, Jye Caldwell, Brayden Ham
Interchange: Ned Cahill, Andrew McGrath, Darcy Parish, Devon Smith, Martin Gleeson, Nick Bryan, Archie Perkins, Alec Waterman
Emergencies: Tom Cutler, Zach Reid, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Josh Eyre