Tom Bellchambers’ return to the senior side comes on the back of a string of strong performances at VFL level.

The ruckman replaces Matthew Leuenberger who will miss through illness.

Bellchambers kicked six goals for the VFL side last week while also collecting 24 disposals and pulling down six marks.

In his five games in the state league, the 27 year old has kicked 12 goals and averaged 14 disposals and 28 hit outs.

“He’s been hitting the scoreboard regularly and combining that with his ruck work,” Essendon Coach John Worsfold said.

“Coming into the side he’ll do the majority of the ruck work but we know with his form that he’ll be a real threat if we do put him up forward for periods.”

The Bombers will be looking for their sixth win of the season and a victory could see the team move inside the top eight.

They’ll confront a Richmond outfit looking to rebound after four straight losses, including three by less than a goal.

“Richmond’s form has been really solid all year,” Worsfold said.

“They’ve lost a couple of close games but we know they were undefeated after five rounds.

“They’ve started the year really well but they’ll be disappointed with the last couple of weeks.

“We see them as one of the really talented teams in the competition so it’s a great test for us.”