Andrew Lovett will make his senior debut and full forward Matthew Lloyd is a certain starter against Hawthorn on Sunday afternoon – that was the major news to come out of Essendon’s closed training session this afternoon. Out of the squad of 25 named yesterday are Tristan Cartledge, Ted Richards and Dean Rioli.

The selectors decided not to risk Dean Rioli’s fitness in the senior match and he will play for the Bendigo Bombers against the Box Hill Hawks. Jason Laycock will play his first game of the season and he has been named in the first ruck.

""This is a critical match for both sides,"" Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy said. ""We have seen the build up in the papers this week and I really hope that Essendon fans grab a membership and get to this game.""

""It is up to Matthew Lloyd if he plays and at this stage it certainly looks like he will be back and that is good news. It really has to be his call but he says it is feeling good and he is very keen to get back out there.""

Meanwhile, Essendon players Dean Solomon and Jason Johnson have been sanctioned by the club after being out late last Sunday night.

""I think both players are embarrassed and they have apologised to their teammates. The have been named on the bench and if they do it again they will be out of the side – it is simple as that,"" a disappointed Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy said.