The Coaches have announced the squad for this Sunday’s game against the Brisbane Lions.

As confirmed by John Worsfold earlier today, youngster Aaron Francis will make his long awaited debut.

Get tickets for Sunday’s game here.

Taken with pick six in the 2015 draft, the native South Australian comes in for injured defender James Gwilt who is likely to miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Francis has put together a consistent patch with Essendon VFL over the last month, impressing with his strong marking ability and read on the play. 

Adam Cooney will also return after a week on the sideline, with Craig Bird to be rested. 

The final team will be announced on Friday afternoon at 5pm.

Essendon vs. Brisbane

Round 18 

1:10PM, Sunday July 24

Etihad Stadium 

Check out Brisbane's Team Here

TEAM:

IN: A Cooney, A Francis

OUT: J Gwilt (Knee), C Bird (Rested)

NEW: A Francis

B:        M Dea, M Hartley, A McDonald-Tipungwuti

HB:      C Dempsey, M Brown, A Francis

C:        Z Merrett, D.Zaharakis, W Hams

HF:      D Parish. J Daniher, O Fantasia

F:         J Laverde, M Leuenberger, M Gleeson

Foll:    S McKernan, J Kelly, B Goddard

I/C: P Ambrose, K Langford, C McKenna, A Cooney