Emerging Essendon midfielder Kobe Mutch has been transferred from the long-term injury list after overcoming a serious hamstring injury.

Mutch is set to line up in the VFL against Port Melbourne at Adcon Stadium on Sunday, making his long-awaited return since suffering the high-grade tear in round three.

Versatile defender Ben McNiece, who was elevated to the primary list in Mutch’s absence, has returned to the rookie list.