Essendon will benefit from the return of Jordan Ridley this weekend.

The defender missed last week’s defeat to Adelaide after sustaining a concussion in round one but has now exited the Concussion Protocols in good shape and is ready to face the Power at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

Experienced pair Darcy Parish and Jayden Laverde are on track to get their first match minutes of 2025 via the VFL when the Bombers take on Werribee at the NEC Hangar on Saturday, having progressed through respective pre-season back and hip complaints in recent weeks.

Will Setterfield will be available for selection after succumbing to a minor groin complaint last week. 

As noted in Brad Scott’s Monday press conference, setbacks for Elijah Tsatas (broken hand) and Archie Perkins (quad strain) will see the pair miss this week, with both looking to return for Gather Round.

Alwyn Davey Jnr made a successful return from a meniscus injury in the VFL side’s win over the weekend and pulled up well.