Essendon has welcomed back some much-needed firepower for its match against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Adam Cooney, Paul Chapman and Jake Carlisle will bolster a Bomber attack that has averaged 10.4 goals per game across the first seven rounds of the season.

“They’ll all probably slot into our forward line,” Essendon Coach James Hird said.

“Last week our most experienced player in the forward line was ‘Travvy’ Colyer.

“To have some more experience there really helps.”

Also brought into the squad were young players Orazio Fantasia and Shaun Edwards.

“Shaun has been very good in the VFL the last three weeks,” Hird said.

The former Giant is yet to taste senior football after joining the club at the end of 2013. 

“He’s a forward who played all the NAB Cup games for us, a very dangerous forward.”

Kyle Langford and Jason Ashby will miss the match after failing to overcome injuries. 

The Bombers will take on an in-form Brisbane side fresh from two impressive victories.

“Brisbane were in terrific form against Carlton and then beating Port Adelaide with some really good football.

“It’ll be a big game, a tough game.”

Hird was part of the 2001 Essendon side that lost to the Lions as the Queensland side won the first of three straight Grand Finals.

“Everyone who was involved in the 2001 Grand Final still has a little bit of angst towards Brisbane, so there’s a little bit of rivalry there,” Hird said.

The squad of 25 will be reduced to 22 tomorrow evening.