Essendon could make up to five changes for this weekend’s clash with Brisbane at The Dome on Saturday night. Dustin Fletcher and Courtney Johns are both likely to return having recovered from bruised ribs while James Hird could also return having shaken off a calf strain.

On top of these three players, Adam McPhee has served his one-match suspension and will come back into the side. And the wildcard might be Richard Cole who could make his long-awaited debut in Essendon colors following an excellent display for the Bendigo Bombers yesterday.

Dean Rioli is still two weeks away from playing but bar anything unforeseen happening will be able to play the two games that will get him to 100 career games. Jason Winderlich is still another three weeks away as he continues his rehabilitation following a broken leg.

Jason Laycock’s progress following knee surgery has not been without setbacks and Essendon fitness coach John Quinn said on Bomber Radio last night, he might yet require further surgery which will bring his season to a premature end.

Nathan Lovett-Murray still has another week of his three-week suspension to serve.