Essendon will field a near full strength side against Melbourne on Saturday night at the MCG with the Bombers injury free ahead of the Round 2 clash.

Football operations manager Steve Alessio said it was extremely pleasing to have a healthy list at this stage of the year.

“Our whole list is healthy which is a great result at this time of the year,” Alessio said.

“All of our players are putting their hand up and raring to go which is a great sign heading into Saturday night’s match.”

Forward Jason Winderlich made a successful return from injury in the club’s VFL practice match on Friday and is expected to further increase his workload in the club’s season opening VFL match on Friday night against Bendigo.

“The only player that is not at 100 per cent fit is Jason Winderlich,” he said.

“Jason played in the VFL practice match on the weekend and is looking to have some more game time this weekend in the VFL Round 1 game against Bendigo.”

The Bombers will play in Melbourne for the first time this year against the Demons on Saturday night with the red and black army urged to show their support for the team by filling the MCG with a sea of red and black..