Essendon will welcome back two massive inclusions for Saturday afternoon's clash with the Giants.

Midfielder Darcy Parish and defender Andrew McGrath will both make their respective returns from a calf injury and health and safety protocols.

Parish has missed the previous three weeks, while McGrath has only missed one match.

The return of two of the Bombers' best players has resulted in some unlucky omissions, with Massimo D'Ambrosio and debutant Jye Menzie making way from the side.

As confirmed in Essendon FC's Liberty Financial Performance Update, Jye Caldwell has been ruled out of this week's fixture with a low end calf injury.

Essendon's round 21 side

Backs: Jordan Ridley, Jayden Laverde, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher
Half-backs: Mason Redman, Jake Kelly, Nick Hind
Centreline: Sam Durham, Kyle Langford, Dyson Heppell
Half-forwards: Matt Guelfi, Nic Martin, Ben Hobbs
Forwards: Peter Wright, Jake Stringer, James Stewart
Followers: Sam Draper, Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish
Extended bench: Andrew McGrath, Archie Perkins, Will Snelling, Harrison Jones

Emergencies: Massimo D'Ambrosio, Jye Menzie, Nick Bryan, Tom Cutler

In: Parish, McGrath

Out: D'Ambrosio (omitted), Menzie (medi sub), Caldwell (injured)

Last week’s medical sub: Menzie (used)