Essendon VFL has boosted its back six ahead of Sunday’s round 21 encounter with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

Senior-listed Dons Michael Hartley, Ben McNiece and Brandon Zerk-Thatcher return to the line-up, adding extra height and strong aerial presence to the backline.

Jake Long and Jordan Ridley will begin in the centre, notably missing Tom Jok (AFL debut), but are expected to bring the same defensive pressure that they brought last weekend against Richmond.

The forward line will be without Josh Begley, Irving Mosquito, Jayden Laverde and vice-captain Danny Younan, but will have retiring fan favourite David Myers on the half-forward flank and Mark Baguley and Nick Dixon.

After recording 42 hitouts against the Tigers, Riley Bowman will continue his fine form as No.1 ruck.

Vice-captain Heath Hocking has been named in the centre, while skipper Aaron Heppell will begin on the extended bench. 

Kurt Aylett and Jacob Brown have also been added to the interchange alongside Josh Tynan, who could potentially play his 100^th VFL game if selected. 

Second-gamers Dale Marshall and Matthew Day have retained their spots, named in the forward pocket and as 23^rd player respectively. 

Essendon last faced Geelong in round five at the MCG, recording a 42-point win helped by three goals from Trent Mynott.

The VFL Dons will be hoping for a similar result on Sunday, which will hopefully give the group some momentum heading into finals.

The team will be finalised before the first bounce at 11:40am.

Match updates will be available via Essendon VFL’s Twitter, with the game shown live on Channel 7.