Kyle Langford will be available for AFL selection this week following a successful return in the VFL fixture against the Cats last Saturday - he finished with 13 disposals and five marks on managed minutes prior to being rested as planned late in the game.

Essendon will be without Archie May for the next two weeks due to an ankle injury.

Scans confirmed ruptured ligaments for the key forward after rolling his ankle late in the Bombers’ defeat to Geelong at GMHBA Stadium last week.

As reported on Monday, Zach Merrett will miss this Friday's clash against St Kilda as he recovers from a fractured metacarpal in his hand – he’ll aim to return for the round 24 fixture against Carlton to mark his 250th career game.