Essendon will welcome back star midfielder Darcy Parish into its round 15 team to face Fremantle.

Saturday night's clash at Optus Stadium will see the Bombers regain one of the AFL's elite ball-winners, with Parish returning after a seven-round stint on the sidelines with a calf complaint.

Rejoining him in the side is experienced defender Jake Kelly, who will also return for his first game since round eight after solid VFL form following a delayed concussion issue which kept the 28-year-old out of action for several weeks.

The Dons will be without talismanic ruckman Sam Draper, who was unable to prove his fitness in time following soreness sustained in round 13.

Defender Nick Hind has been omitted from the team, along with round 13 substitute Massimo D'Ambrosio.

Essendon round 15 team

In: Parish, Kelly
Outs: Draper (injury), Hind (omitted), D'Ambrosio (sub)