Ben McNiece has been picked to make his AFL debut in front of an expected crowd of more than 85,000 people on ANZAC Day.

The 25 year old comes into the side alongside Aaron Francis, while Conor McKenna (suspended) and Kyle Langford make way.

“It’s a great opportunity for Ben to come in, it is a big game but his form warrants it,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“With Conor McKenna’s suspension it opened up the opportunity for Ben and we feel he’s ready to grab that.

“Coming through our VFL program, it’s another great story – a bit similar to Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.

“They’ve been an important part of our VFL program and shown great leadership in our VFL program.

“That’s what got him on to the list and now it has given him an opportunity.”

McNiece joins former Essendon players Scott Lucas, Dean Solomon and Matthew Banks in playing their first game on football’s biggest stage during the home and away season.

He was signed as the Bombers’ inaugural Next Generation Academy player last November.

The defender was eligible as a Category B Rookie as his mother was born in India.

Francis returns to the senior line-up for his fourth AFL game.

He gathered 15 possessions, took six marks and laid nine tackles last week in the VFL against Sandringham.

“He’s strung together a number of games now and his work-rate has been right at the level we’ve been expecting from him,” Worsfold said.

“He comes in now ready to play for us which is great.”

The Bombers will be looking to arrest a two-game losing streak, while Collingwood will be looking to register its second win of the season.

“Collingwood’s form – as much as they haven’t got the wins they would have been looking for – they’ve been solid and have pushed all the teams they’ve played,” Worsfold said.

“We know they’re a talented team and we know they’re hungry for a big effort on Tuesday, but that pretty much sits with where we’re at."

Essendon vs Collingwood

Tuesday April 25

MCG

3:20pm

In: Ben McNiece, Aaron Francis

Out: Kyle Langford, Conor McKenna (suspended)

New: Ben McNiece (Essendon VFL)

B: Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hurley, Brendon Goddard

HB: Mark Baguley, Mitch Brown, Zach Merrett

C: Andrew McGrath, Jobe Watson, Darcy Parish

HF: Orazio Fantasia, Cale Hooker, Travis Colyer

F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Ben McNiece

R: Matthew Leuenberger, David Zaharakis, Dyson Heppell

I: Brent Stanton, Aaron Francis, Josh Green, James Kelly

E: James Stewart, Craig Bird, Heath Hocking