Essendon has made four changes for the team to take on Carlton in Friday night’s blockbuster at the MCG including first round draft selection Joe Daniher for his debut.

Midfielder Ben Howlett and key forward Michael Hurley return from injury and live wire Alwyn Davey is back after returning through the VFL last weekend.

Courtenay Dempsey (ribs), Scott Gumbleton (ankle), Leroy Jetta (omitted) and Tom Bellchambers (omitted) have been left out of the side that lost to Sydney last weekend.

Coach James Hird said the club was taking a cautious approach with Dempsey following his injury last weekend.

“Courtenay is still pretty sore in his lungs and around the internal organs so we will take full precaution there and leave him out this week,” Hird said.

Click here to see the full team.