Essendon skipper Zach Merrett will return for his 250th career game on Thursday night against Carlton.

The Captain underwent successful surgery on a metacarpal fracture in his hand last week, and following consultation with a surgeon on Monday, he’s been officially cleared to play in the Club’s final home game at the MCG.

Forward Liam McMahon will also be available for selection - scans showed no structural damage after the mid-season pick’s hand was stomped on late in last Friday’s defeat to the Saints. He’s trained fully this week and is expected to line up on Thursday.

Defender Jayden Laverde was subbed out of last week’s match against the Saints after receiving a heavy knock to his hip in a marking contest. He is expected to train fully this week and take his place in the team to play Carlton. 

Elijah Tsatas will remain on the sideline this week having not yet fully recovered from a hamstring injury that’s sidelined him since round 19.