Essendon will have a massive feel-good story going into Saturday's encounter against Brisbane, with utility Nik Cox named for his AFL return.

The 200cm Bomber's inclusion against the reigning premier comes exactly 630 days since his last appearance at the elite level, having fought hard to battle his way back after nearly two years ravaged by ongoing concussion symptoms.

Being ticked off to return to the Club by the league's concussion panel last year and taking in a rewarding off-season trip to the UFC facilities in Pittsburgh following the end of last season, Cox enjoyed what was virtually his first uninterrupted pre-season since 2022 this year.

Cox has pieced together strong form at VFL level to kick off this campaign in a slew of different roles, most recently as a key forward - he's slotted six goals in his last three games and has looked prominent in the air as a leading target.

He'll line up for his 54th career game from 12:35pm AEST at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.