Essendon has opted to rest James Kelly from Sunday’s match against Adelaide. 

While most of the players signed on the eve of the season have battled injury at some point, Kelly has bucked the trend playing in 16 of the 17 matches so far.

The three-time premiership player was rested from the Dons trip west to play Fremantle in round 11. 

Kelly, Shaun McKernan (illness) and Mitch Brown (groin) are the three exclusions from the Bombers squad to face the Crows.

Essendon Coach John Worsfold said the decision to rest Kelly is aimed at ensuring he finishes off his strong season in good form.

“He’s obviously a very experienced, wonderful player but coming off really no pre-season, it has been a great effort by him,” Worsfold said.

“This will be his second week where we’ll lighten his load give him a rest.

“If we can then get him through the rest of the year that will have been a great effort.” 

Kelly is ranked in the top five at Essendon for disposals, metres gained, contested possessions and tackles.

Craig Bird returns to the senior side after he was rested last week.

The former Swan has averaged 20 possessions, four clearances and six tackles per game this season. 

“He definitely had a limited pre-season and was always trying to catch up,” Worsfold said.

“He’s had to play a pretty big role in the midfield trying to be our stronger, inside mid.

“He’s certainly worked into that but it was taking its toll on him so a week to freshen up hopefully has made a big difference.”

With McKernan and Brown dropping out of the side, Sam Michael could perform a variety of roles. 

Michael carried the bulk of the ruck duties against St Kilda in his Essendon debut, but has also been used as a key forward and defender at VFL level. 

“It could be everything, we’re not really sure yet,” Worsfold said. 

“He’ll definitely do some ruck work and we’re just weighing up the benefits of what he can offer both as a back or a tall forward.”