Essendon will welcome back Matt Guelfi, Nik Cox and first-year defender Angus Clarke via the VFL this week.

Guelfi has recovered from hamstring surgery back in February, while Cox has overcome a recent minor calf complaint following a pre-season largely disrupted by concussion symptoms.

Clarke will join the pair when the Dons’ VFL outfit take on North Melbourne at Windy Hill on Friday afternoon, having recovered from a broken collarbone suffered at the end of March.

Midfielder Jye Caldwell has progressed back into full training after an early season hamstring strain and is eyeing off a return to play in next week’s clash with Sydney. Fellow midfielder Darcy Parish is also closing in on a return to play in the coming weeks.

Sam Draper, Nick Bryan and Tom Edwards are all now in the early stages of post-operative recovery, having each undergone successful surgeries following recent season-ending injuries.