Essendon has made four changes to its side ahead of this weekend's clash against the Brisbane Lions. 

In what will be exactly 630 days since his last AFL game, utility Nik Cox will make his long-awaited return to the senior side after a hard battle back from nearly two years ravaged by concussion symptoms.

Also returning to the starting 23 are young defender-turned-forward Jayden Nguyen and draftee Max Kondogiannis. 

Jade Gresham has also been named, coming in for injured small forward Isaac Kako who has gone down with a back stress injury.

Omitted from the side this week is Elijah Tsatas, with Archie May out to an MCL injury.

Darcy Parish will be managed this week as planned.