Essendon has recalled veteran Dustin Fletcher for its match against Carlton on Saturday.

Fellow key defender James Gwilt is the man to make way.

“James is very stiff, but Fletch really only went out through injury,” Essendon Coach James Hird said. 

The match will be a special one for Ben Howlett.

The West Australian recruit will line up for his 100^th game for the Bombers.

“He’s a player who has given his all for this football club,” Hird said.

“He’s hard, tough, in at the contest, uncompromising and I think someone who all the supporters love having in the team, as do the coaches and his team mates.”

Brendon Goddard will also celebrate a milestone with the former Saint playing his 250^th match.

“His leadership around the place has been terrific and I think we all enjoy his football knowledge and what he’s brought to the game,” Hird said.

Essendon is coming off an impressive showing against Sydney in round one and a victory against last year’s premiers Hawthorn.

The Bombers kept the Swans to just one goal in the opening half of the season opener. 

While last week, the Essendon defence held strong despite Hawthorn dominating the inside 50 count in the last quarter.

“We’ve kept sides under 80 for the first two rounds.  It’s a terrific effort by not just the back six but the whole defence,” Hird said.