Essendon Coach John Worsfold says he’ll be looking to reward strong VFL form over the remaining rounds.

After reaching the Preliminary Final last season, the Bombers are sitting in eighth position on the VFL ladder, a game clear of the ninth placed Northern Blues. 

James Polkinghorne, Jackson Merrett, Sam Grimley and Mason Redman have been included in the Bombers initial 25 man squad to play Adelaide on Sunday. 

The final 22 will be named on Friday.

“There are games against some really strong opposition but still a lot of footy left to play,” Worsfold said.

“There are some guys in the VFL that have really been hanging in there for some opportunities – that may come over the last four rounds, there is no doubt about that. 

“We’re keen for those guys to keep their form up and be ready for the opportunity. 

“We want to pick guys that are still playing strong right at the end of the season, so we’re looking to manage the guys workloads but also reward good form in the VFL throughout the remainder of the year.” 

Polkinghorne (30 possessions) and Merrett (23 possessions) were among the Dons best in the VFL against Geelong last week.

“They’ve been in very good form for a number of weeks and have both been on the emergency list a fair bit over the last month or so,” Worsfold said.

“I’ve got no doubt opportunities may open up for them if they maintain that form. 

“It’s good to have players of that caliber ready to come into the team.”

Redman is in line for his first senior game since round nine.

The 18 year old inked a new deal with the Club earlier this week. 

“He’s had a wonderful year,” Worsfold said.

“We really managed his pre-season loads a fair bit to avoid some injury concerns that he came with but he's been very diligent with that.

“The fact that he played so well early in the season and got some AFL games under his belt - he’s carried that form on in the VFL, he’s been very consistent, playing wing as well as half forward so he deserves to be back in the squad.”