An extended bench has been named for Essendon’s Round 3 team to face Collingwood at Victoria Park as the Bombers prepare for their first Channel 7 live broadcast of 2018.

Aaron Francis is set to return to the field for his first match of the season after being named in the back pocket while Jake Long will face the Pies on the wing and Alex Marklew will start on the interchange.

The trio have been named at the expense of Patrick Ambrose and Luke Lavender. Joe Harrison, Joel Ottavi, Kieran Strachan, Jake McQueen and ACL-recoveree Ben Fennell have been named on an extended bench. Trent Crosbie is still a chance to play his first game of the season after being listed as the 23^rd man.

The team will be confirmed before the first bounce on Saturday.

Both teams go into the match coming off defeats but with an equal win-loss record after two games. The Bombers will be looking to atone for their hard-fought loss on the road against Williamstown in Round 2 while Collingwood fell to reigning premiers Port Melbourne by 16 points.

Essendon’s clash with its traditional rivals will be televised live on Channel 7 from 2pm on Saturday. Tune in with commentary team Jason Bennett, Nigel Carmody, Campbell Brown and Nathan Templeton.

Essendon- Player Positions