Monfries did play for Essendon in its 15-a-side exhibition match against Sydney two weeks ago but spent minimal time on the ground. His only kick for that game was a memorable one when he steered a low pass 30m and directly onto the chest of Jason Laycock.
First year player Henry Slattery has also been selected in the squad for Saturday and will be a likely starter. Matthew Lloyd, James Hird and Jason Johnson will be rested for another week.
The young Bomber line up will again have its work cut out against a Richmond side that is expected to be close to full strength. An inexperienced Essendon line-up came up 37-points short against a full-strength Carlton in Round 1 of the Wizard Cup last weekend.
Four players will be cut from the squad tomorrow. The Bendigo Bombers play a practice match against Coburg at Whitten Oval on Sunday. That game will commence at 1.30pm.
Morwell Practice Match v Richmond, 2pm Saturday.
Essendon Squad
2. Ricky Dyson
3. Aaron Henneman
4. Jobe Watson
6. Angus Monfries
8. Jason Winderlich
10. Mark McVeigh
11. Damien Peverill
13. Damian Cupido
15. Mark Alvey
16. Kepler Bradley
17. Paul Thomas
20. Ted Richards
22. Tristan Cartledge
23. Mark Bolton
24. Brent Stanton
26. Jason Laycock
27. Matthew Allan
28. Justin Murphy
29. Joel Reynolds
30. Sam Hunt
34. Henry Slattery
36. Ty Zantuck
37. Marc Bullen
38. Jay Nash
39. Ben Haynes
41. Andrew Lovett
42. Nathan Lovett-Murray
43. Dean Rioli
