Essendon will make at least two changes to the side that went down to Brisbane last weekend with Dustin Fletcher and Paul Barnard both certain starters. Fletcher has completed his suspension while Barnard has recovered from an ankle injury. There was further good news with David Hille's rolled ankle not seriously damaged - he too will play against Melbourne.

Aaron Henneman is also a chance to return for the Bombers. Henneman has been troubled by a groin injury over the past couple of weeks and he will undergo a fitness test later in the week. Jobe Watson (corked thigh) will also undergo a fitness test to determine his availability.

Form will dictate whether the match committee make further changes to the side. The Bendigo Bombers lost to the Northern Bullants by three goals in a practice match last Sunday but a number of players performed very well. Draftee Jason Winderlich was excellent off the half back line in the half that he played. Fitness might be an issue but he looks certain to play senior football this season. Other good performers were Jason Laycock, Shane Harvey, Ken Hall, Cory McGrath and Ted Richards.