Essendon VFL has named a strong side ahead of this Saturday’s top-four clash with Footscray at Whitten Oval.

The VFL Dons will be without a number of senior players, including veteran on-baller David Myers, hard-working defender Ben McNiece and forwards Josh Begley and Mark Baguley, but will see the return of exciting speedster Irving Mosquito, following a hamstring injury he sustained in round 13.

Fellow AFL-listed Bombers Michael Hartley and Jordan Ridley also return to the line-up, both starting at half-back. 

Skipper Aaron Heppell joins them in the back six, while vice-captains Heath Hocking and Danny Younan will start in the centre and ruck rover respectively. 

Jacob Brown, Wilson Berry and Jake McQueen may also be recalled, having been named on the extended interchange bench. 

Ben Huggard has been selected as the 23^rd man.

He replaces Tynan Smith, who will start in the forward pocket fresh after his four-goal performance last weekend.

A win would mean the VFL Dons get some breathing space on the ladder, currently sitting in second spot and just two points ahead of the Bulldogs in third. 

The final team will be selected before the first bounce at 1pm on Saturday, August 10. 

Live updates will be available via Essendon VFL’s Twitter, and the match will be broadcasted on vfl.com.au.