Essendon has confirmed captain Dyson Heppell and debutant Sam Durham as its inclusions for Sunday's clash with North Melbourne at Metricon Stadium.

The pair replace Kyle Langford (hamstring), Martin Gleeson (omitted) and last week's medical sub Brayden Ham (omitted).

Heppell has recovered from the thumb injury that sidelined him in the Bombers' win over Adelaide, while Durham will become the club's seventh AFL debutant this season.

Taken at pick No.9 from Richmond VFL in the 2021 NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, the versatile Durham is predominantly an outside midfielder with strong skills on both sides.

He has been used as a wingman in his four VFL games for the Bombers, averaging 17 disposals, 4.5 marks and three tackles.

The 20-year-old was first eligible for the draft in 2019 as a NAB League player with Murray Bushrangers.

After being overlooked in two successive drafts, Durham responded with an impressive start to the 2021 VFL season as a Tiger to spike the Bombers' interest.

The Bombers and Kangaroos will go head-to-head from 12:35pm AEST on Sunday, with the match shown live on Fox Footy and Kayo.

ESSENDON'S ROUND 18 LINE-UP:

Backs: Jayden Laverde, James Stewart, Mason Redman
Half-backs: Dyson Heppell (C), Jordan Ridley, Nick Hind
Centreline: Matt Guelfi, Zach Merrett, Nik Cox
Half-forwards: Devon Smith, Cale Hooker, Jake Stringer
Forwards: Alec Waterman, Peter Wright, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
Followers: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Will Snelling
Interchange: Archie Perkins, Harrison Jones, Tom Cutler, Sam Durham
Emergencies: Brayden Ham, Nick Bryan, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Martin Gleeson

In: Heppell, Durham

Out: Langford (hamstring), Martin Gleeson (omitted), Brayden Ham (omitted)

Last week's medical sub: Ham (used)