Essendon has named its first side of 2026, with four Club debutants to join the fray in front of a bumper MCG crowd against Hawthorn on Friday night.

New recruit Brayden Fiorini - set to play in front of the biggest crowd of his 123-game career to date - has been named alongside draftees Dyson Sharp, Max Kondogiannis and Huss El Achkar in wearing the red and black for the first time at AFL level.

Andrew McGrath leads the charge from defence in a big occasion for his first game as skipper.

In total, there are 13 changes from the side that concluded last season on the Gold Coast, with several key youngsters and experienced players back in action off the work of strong pre-seasons.

Darcy Parish is back where he belongs in the middle of the park, with the defensive pairing of Zach Reid and Ben McKay lining up together for the first time since round 11 last year.

Nate Caddy will lead the line up forward with keys Peter Wright, Kyle Langford and Archie May also named. 

On Friday, we're Seeing Red. Be in your seats early, wave your scarves and get behind the boys in their first taste of action for 2026.

See the full lineup below.