Damian Cupido and Adam McPhee will make their debuts for the Bombers against Brisbane at the Gabba this weekend – that was the major news from the selection table this afternoon. In other news, Dean Solomon will play his game for Essendon since the 2001 Grand Final.

David Hille has been named in the first ruck with Steven Alessio joining Joel Reynolds, Andrew Welsh and Jordan Bannister on the bench. Dustin Fletcher and Mark Bolton are missing from a side that is otherwise at full strength.

Jason Laycock was made to wait at least one more week. Many thought that his excellent pre-season form would see him slot into the Bombers’ line-up for its season opener. But the Bombers’ have opted to go smaller rather than include 198cm youngster.

The Essendon players not selected this weekend will play in a practice match for the Bendigo Bombers against the Northern Bullants on Sunday. The match is being played at the Northern Bullants’ home ground, Cramer Street, Preston