Essendon has made three changes for Sunday’s game against the Adelaide Crows.

Craig Bird, Sam Michael and James Polkinghorne return to the line up to replace James Kelly (rested), Shaun McKernan (illness) and Mitch Brown (groin).

Polkinghorne's consistency with Essendon VFL has been rewarded with a spot in the final team. 

The tough ex-Lion has averaged 27-disposals over the last six weeks and will come in for his 99th career game.

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Bird will give some added grunt to the Essendon midfield, while Michael will offer versatility and help cover the losses of McKernan and Brown.

South Australian fans will also be excited to see the home town hero, Aaron Francis, for the first time this year.

The youngster was impressive on debut, taking seven marks including a team high four contested marks.

Essendon vs. Adelaide:

Round 19 

4:10PM (ACST), Sunday July 31 

Adelaide Oval

Click here to see the Crows' final team.

IN: J.Polkinghorne, C.Bird, S.Michael

OUT: J.Kelly (Rested), S.McKernan (illness), M.Brown (Groin)

B:        M Dea, M Hartley, A McDonald-Tipungwuti

HB:      M.Gleeson, S.Michael, A Francis

C:        Z Merrett, D.Zaharakis, W Hams

HF:      A.Cooney. P.Ambrose, O Fantasia

F:         J Laverde, J.Daniher, D.Parish

Foll:    M.Leuenberger, C.Bird, B Goddard

IC: C.Dempsey, K.Langford, C.McKenna, J.Polkinghorne