Essendon will welcome back Mason Redman against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The rebounding defender joins AFL debutant Zach Reid as the Bombers' inclusions, with omitted pair Matt Guelfi and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher making way.

MATCH PREVIEW: LIONS v BOMBERS

Redman was subbed out with hamstring awareness in Essendon's 75-point win over St Kilda, sitting out last week's loss to Sydney.

Senior coach Ben Rutten said he was pleased to regain the 23-year-old and unveil the club's fifth AFL debutant of the season.

"It's going to be good to have him (Redman) back. He's an important player for us and has a good balance between defence and providing bounce in attack from our defensive half," Rutten said.

"We just want 'Reidy' (Reid) to compete hard, do his best and enjoy his footy.

"He played a few really good games in the VFL. He's more than ready for this. I think it's fantastic to be able to bring in our fifth debutant for the year."

The Bombers will face the Lions from 7:25pm AEST, with the match broadcast live on Channel 7.

Both sides' reserves will also go head-to-head from 12pm in their VFL season opener at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, with that game streamed live and free here on Kayo.

ESSENDON'S ROUND FIVE LINE-UP:

Backs: Jayden Laverde, Zach Reid, Aaron Francis
Half-backs: Mason Redman, Jordan Ridley, Dyson Heppell (C)
Centre: Zach Merrett, Kyle Langford, Devon Smith
Half-forwards: Alec Waterman, Harrison Jones, Will Snelling
Forwards: Archie Perkins, Cale Hooker, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Followers: Nik Cox, Andrew McGrath, Brayden Ham
Interchange: Nick Hind, Darcy Parish, Peter Wright, Jake Stringer

Emergencies: Matt Guelfi, Ned Cahill, Andrew Phillips, David Zaharakis

In: Reid, Redman

Out: Guelfi (omitted), Zerk-Thatcher (omitted), Zaharakis (unused sub last week)

New: Zach Reid (Gippsland Power, No.10 pick 2020 NAB AFL Draft)