Essendon has been forced to make one change to its side for its blockbuster clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium on Thursday.

Star forward Jake Stringer has been unable to return to full fitness in time to take on the Eagles after suffering a minor leg injury in last week’s victory over Hawthorn.

Fellow forward Mitch Brown has replaced Stringer, joining the senior line-up for the first time since the side’s narrow ANZAC Day loss to Collingwood in round six.

The first bounce is set for 6:10pm local time.

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FINAL TEAM
B – Patrick Ambrose, Michael Hurley, Andrew McGrath
HB – Conor McKenna, Cale Hooker, Adam Saad
C – Mason Redman, Zach Merrett, Kyle Langford
HF – David Zaharakis, Jayden Laverde, Matt Guelfi
F – Darcy Parish, Shaun McKernan, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti
R – Tom Bellchambers, Dylan Shiel, Dyson Heppell
Interchange – Mitch Brown, Dylan Clarke, Orazio Fantasia, Josh Begley
Emergencies – Mark Baguley, Aaron Francis, Ben McNiece, Zac Clarke

IN – Brown
OUT – Stringer