Essendon great Matthew Lloyd would like to see Jake Carlisle start in defence this Sunday.

Carlisle returns to the side after missing the last four matches with an ankle injury.

The 23 year old has spent the last season and a half playing mainly in attack.

But with Cale Hooker’s form over the last three weeks in the forward line, Lloyd said Essendon can afford to have Carlisle play in the backline.

“I’d like to see Carlisle go in to defence and leave what has worked quite well over the last three weeks,” Lloyd said.

“I think Hooker’s support for Daniher has been really strong. 

“Hooker in his own right has been one of the more commanding marking forwards in the game."

The Western Bulldogs have won four from their last five matches and sit in sixth position on the ladder. 

“They’re just well organised really, I think their forward line pressure has been phenomenal for a young group,” Lloyd said.

“They’ve got a lot going for them.  A lot of people thought they’ll fall away somewhere but they just haven’t.”

Michael Hurley has been withdrawn from the Essendon squad because of a knee complaint.

Jake Melksham and Adam Cooney join Carlisle in making their returns from injury.

Former GWS player Jonathan Giles will play his first game for the Bombers.