Jake Stringer will return on Saturday, with the star forward one of three inclusions to the Bombers' line-up for their clash with the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium.

The 27-year-old joins Sam Durham and Aaron Francis as inclusions, with Kyle Langford (hamstring), Nic Martin (HS Protocols), Brayden Ham (omitted) and Kaine Baldwin (omitted) exiting the side that suffered a disappointing round one loss to Geelong.

Tom Cutler has been elevated to senior coach Ben Rutten's starting 22, having replaced Langford in the first term as medical sub last week.

Ham, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Andrew Phillips and potential debutant Tex Wanganeen have been named emergencies, with one to be selected as medical sub an hour before the bounce.

The Bombers will face the Lions from 4:35pm AEDT on Saturday in their first home game of the season. Members are encouraged to read our top tips to ensure a smooth attendance at Marvel Stadium.

ESSENDON'S RD 2 TEAM:

Backs: James Stewart, Mason Redman, Jake Kelly
Half-backs: Nick Hind, Aaron Francis, Andrew McGrath
Centreline: Dyson Heppell (C), Zach Merrett, Nik Cox
Half-forwards: Dylan Shiel, Jake Stringer, Archie Perkins
Forwards: Jayden Laverde, Peter Wright, Devon Smith
Followers: Sam Draper, Jye Caldwell, Darcy Parish
Interchange: Jordan Ridley, Tom Cutler, Sam Durham, Matt Guelfi

Emergencies: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Brayden Ham, Andrew Phillips, Tex Wanganeen

In: Stringer, Durham, Francis

Out: Langford (hamstring), Martin (HS Protocols), Ham (omitted), Baldwin (omitted)

Last week's medical sub: Cutler (used)

Milestone: Ridley - 50 AFL games