Essendon VFL has named its 27-player squad ahead of this Sunday’s ‘Love The Game’ clash with Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval. 

Emerging defender Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been named at half-back, despite missing a quarter of last weekend’s match due to a hamstring complaint.

He will line up alongside Jordan Ridley and Ben McNiece, making up an AFL-listed back six with experienced Bombers Matt Dea, Michael Hartley and Mark Baguley in the last line of defence.

Zac Clarke will return to the ruck, while Brayden Ham and Will Snelling have been named as ruck rovers. 

Skipper Aaron Heppell has been named on the extended bench, beside vice-captain Danny Younan and 2019 recruit Kurt Aylett, who would play his first match of the season if named in the final side. 

Ben Huggard is the 23^rd player, replacing Riley Bowman who has made his way onto the extended interchange. 

The final team will be announced before the first bounce at 11:40am on Sunday, June 30.

Live match updates will be available via Essendon VFL’s Twitter account, and will be televised on Channel 7.

The ‘Love the Game’ round aims to educate the football community about creating a safe and healthy environment and understanding the risks associated with gambling.

In partnership with the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, this round acts as a reminder for parents and role models, including coaches, teachers and relatives, to talk to young people about the risks and consequences of gambling, so they love the game, not the odds.

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.