A refreshed Adam Cooney has been recalled to the Essendon squad for the match against Brisbane on Sunday.

The Brownlow medal winner was rested against Richmond but has been included on the extended bench that will be trimmed on Friday.

“He’s been pretty solid for us,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“In an inexperienced midfield he’s been a strong leader through there and really helped us out and wins a lot of the ball for us.

“It’s good to have him back in fresh – it’s the most footy he’s played in a fair while, so to get him through to this point in the year is a fair effort.

“I think he’s got some good footy left in the last few games.”

Cooney is averaging 23.4 possessions per game this season and hadn’t missed a game until he was rested last week.

Sam Michael and James Polkinghorne were also named in the 25-man squad.

If Polkinghorne makes the final 22 it would reunite him with a number of his former Brisbane Lions teammates.                                                                        

“He’s been outstanding in his professionalism and his form in the VFL has also been really solid,” Worsfold said.

“Our midfield has been holding up really well and we haven’t been able to squeeze him in.

“While his form is as good as it is it means he’s right on the verge of selection so he certainly deserves the opportunity.”

Polkinghorne played 94 games with Brisbane before joining Essendon VFL ahead of the 2015 season. 

He’s averaged 23 possessions in the VFL this season.