Essendon VFL has selected a strong side for Sunday's meeting with Sandringham at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval. 

Jayden Laverde is one of the notable inclusions, returning from a hamstring injury sustained in round four of the VFL. 

Zac Clarke and David Myers have also been named, both of who will feature in their first VFL matches for the year.

Dylan Clarke will look to continue his impressive form in the centre, while Jordan Ridley will start in the back pocket despite playing some forward minutes last weekend. 

Skipper Aaron Heppell will start on the half-back flank, supported by vice-captains Heath Hocking (half-forward) and Danny Younan (forward pocket).

A number of first-year players have been named on the extended interchange, and could potentially make their senior debuts.

Trent Mynott is expected to miss at least another week with a minor calf strain. 

Tynan Smith has been named the 23rd player.

Coming off the back of a 41-point loss to Casey, the VFL Dons will hope to get back on the winners list on Sunday from 2:10pm. 

Match updates will be available through the Essendon VFL twitter account.

The final team will be announced before the first bounce.

ESSENDON VFL'S ROUND SEVEN TEAM
Backs30. Brandon Zerk-Thatcher36. Michael Hartley14. Jordan Ridley
Half-backs59. Aaron Heppell (C)49. Matt Dea23. David Myers
Centreline34. Jake Long37. Dylan Clarke61. Wilson Berry
Half-forwards22. Irving Mosquito77. Heath Hocking24. Jordan Houlahan
Forwards55. Danny Younan65. Edyn Sibbald56. Dylan Landt
Followers20. Zac Clarke15. Jayden Laverde33. Brayden Ham
Extended bench73. Daniel Guccione52. Liam Read66. Luke Goetz
51. Jacob Brown70. Liam McKenna50. Josh Tynan
76. Bruno Laguda79. Jake McQueen
23rd player72. Tynan Smith

Brooke Varney is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.