Defender Mason Redman has been named in Essendon’s extended squad for its round 18 match against Gold Coast.

The 24-year-old was unable to be selected for the Dons’ win over the Lions after entering the AFL's Health & Safety Protocols last Friday.

Redman’s return will be a welcome boost for the Bombers, with the dashing defender currently enjoying a career-best season.

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Rd 16 | Redman's outrageous bomb

We take back the lead late in the final term after Mason Redman launches this long-range missile through the goals.

Jye Menzie is in the mix to make his AFL debut after also being amongst the potential inclusions for Sunday.

The mid-season draftee was the emergency last week and has produced impressive VFL form in his short time at the Bombers.

A question mark remains on the availability of other mid-season draftee Massimo D’Ambrosio as he recovers from a corked quad.

Essendon will name its final team to take on the Suns on Friday at 5pm AEST.

Essendon's round 18 extended squad

Backs: Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Half-backs: Nick Hind, Andrew McGrath, Jake Kelly
Centreline: Sam Durham, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell
Half-forwards: Nic Martin, Matt Guelfi, Kyle Langford
Forwards: Peter Wright, Jake Stringer, Harrison Jones
Followers: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Jye Caldwell
Extended bench: Mason Redman, Ben Hobbs, Will Snelling, Andrew Phillips, Massimo D'ambrosio, Brayden Ham, Alec Waterman, Jye Menzie

In: Redman, Waterman, Menzie

Last week’s medical sub: Brayden Ham (used)