Essendon has opted to rest three players for the match against Melbourne following Tuesday’s ANZAC Day win over Collingwood.

James Kelly, Matthew Leuenberger and Aaron Francis will miss Sunday’s match against the Demons.

Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson, Kyle Langford and Conor McKenna come into the 25 man squad that will be trimmed to 22 tomorrow.

Kids will be admitted free of charge to the game on Sunday and there will also be free drink bottles distributed outside the ground prior to the start of the match, thanks to VicHealth. 

Families can also enjoy kick-to-kick on the ground after the game.

Essendon vs. Melbourne

Sunday April 30th

1:10pm (AEST)

Etihad Stadium

In: Ben Howlett, Tom Bellchambers, James Stewart, Martin Gleeson, Kyle Langford, Conor McKenna

Out: James Kelly (rested), Matthew Leuenberger (rested), Aaron Francis (rested)

B: Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hurley, Martin Gleeson

HB: Mark Baguley, Mitch Brown, Ben McNiece

C: Travis Colyer, Zach Merrett, Andrew McGrath

HF: Orazio Fantasia, Cale Hooker, David Zaharakis

F: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Joe Daniher, Brendon Goddard

R: Tom Bellchambers, Ben Howlett, Dyson Heppell

I: (from) Darcy Parish, Josh Green, Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton, James Stewart, Kyle Langford, Conor McKenna