Forward Jake Stringer will make his AFL return for Saturday night's clash with St Kilda at the MCG.
The 28-year-old made a successful return via Essendon's VFL side last week and will feature in his first senior game of the season.
Essendon's forward line will also be boosted by the return of Sam Weideman who's recovered from a toe injury suffered in round one.
In a blow to Essendon's defence, key back Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been ruled out after being unable to recover from a rolled ankle suffered last week against the Suns.
Ruckman Andrew Phillips has been omitted, while forward Matt Guelfi comes out of the side after being last week's sub.
Essendon round three team
| B | 27. Redman | 14. Ridley | 42 D'Ambrosio |
| HB | 29. Kelly | 15. Laverde | 1. McGrath |
| C | 21. Heppell | 7. Merrett | 9. Shiel |
| HF | 33. Davey | 23. Jones | 4. Langford |
| F | 25. Stringer | 10. Weideman | 16. Perkins |
| FOLL | 2. Draper | 12. Setterfield | 3. Parish |
| BENCH | 6. Caldwell | 22. Durham | 37. Martin |
| 47. Menzie | |||
| EMG | 11. Snelling | 21. Hind | 26. Baldwin |
| 34. Phillips |
In: Weideman, Stringer
Out: Zerk-Thatcher (ankle), Phillips (omitted), Guelfi (sub)
