Essendon has potentially received a massive boost ahead of its Anzac Day blockbuster with the inclusions of star players Zach Merrett and Jake Stringer to an extended squad.

Both were named in the 26-man squad ahead of Monday’s game, with the final 22 to be named on Saturday.

Stringer could play after missing two weeks with a hamstring strain, while Merrett is poised to make an incredible return after missing just three games from a syndesmosis injury.

Kaine Baldwin is also in line for a recall, following a five-goal performance in Essendon's VFL loss to Port Melbourne on Sunday.

The powerful forward has been named on an extended bench alongside Nick Bryan, who could play his first AFL game of the season and second overall after a strong fortnight in the VFL.

Ruckman Andrew Phillips is the only confirmed omission at this stage after suffering a hamstring strain in last week’s clash with Fremantle.

The Bombers and Magpies will contest the 27th edition of the Anzac Day blockbuster from 3:20pm on Monday. Click here for a match-day guide and purchase your ticket here (be quick, tickets are limited).

ANZAC DAY EXTENDED SQUAD:

Backs: Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Jayden Laverde, Jake Kelly
Half-backs: Mason Redman, Jordan Ridley, Dyson Heppell (C)
Centreline: Sam Durham, Ben Hobbs, Nik Cox
Half-forwards: Nic Martin, Jake Stringer, Jye Caldwell
Forwards: Andrew McGrath, Peter Wright, Matt Guelfi
Followers: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Zach Merrett
Interchange from: Nick Hind, Dylan Shiel, Alec Waterman, Archie Perkins, Nick Bryan, Devon Smith, Kaine Baldwin, Tom Cutler

In: Merrett, Stringer, Baldwin, Bryan

Out: Phillips (hamstring)

Last week's medical sub: Cutler (used)