Essendon has announced its team to take on Richmond this Saturday night at the MCG.

The coaches have made two changes to the side that narrowly lost to the Gold Coast Suns last week.

Veteran Paul Chapman returns for what will be the final game of his decorated career. He is joined by Irish recruit Conor McKenna who will make his debut for the club.

Jackson Merrett will start as the substitute tonight. 

Shaun Edwards and Patrick Ambrose are the unlucky exclusions for this week.

Essendon v. Richmond
Saturday August 29
MCG

Backs:

Baguley, Hurley, Hibberd, Gleeson, Carlisle, Melksham

Centreline:

Zaharakis, Stanton, Goddard

Forwards:

Dempsey, Daniher, McKenna, Fantasia, Hooker, Chapman

Followers:

McKernan, Heppell, Hocking

Interchange:

O’Brien, Howlett, Laverde, J.Merrett

Emergencies:

Steinberg, Edwards, Kavanagh 

IN:

Chapman and McKenna

OUT:

Edwards (omitted) and Ambrose (omitted)

SUB: 

Jackson Merrett