The Bombers will field an all-star team against Richmond in this Saturday's Challenge match in Morwell including Jobe Watson and key talls Paddy Ryder and David Hille.
 
The coaching department have named the best possible 28-man squad for the club's last competitive hit-out before Round 1 against Geelong on March 26.
 
 
Mark McVeigh, Nathan Lovett-Murray (AFL suspension) and Michael Hurley (club suspension) are not available to play in Round 1 of the season against Geelong so were not considered for selection for Saturday. 
 
Essendon 28-man squad:
 
1. Jay NEAGLE
2. Ricky DYSON
3. Scott GUMBLETON
4. Jobe WATSON (C)
5. Brent STANTON
6. Angus MONFRIES
8. Jason WINDERLICH
9. Brent PRISMALL
11. David ZAHARAKIS
12. Andrew WELSH
14. Sam LONERGAN
15. Courtenay DEMPSEY
16. Tayte PEARS
17. Jake MELKSHAM
19. David HILLE
20. Henry SLATTERY
23. David MYERS
26. Cale HOOKER
27. Jason LAYCOCK
29. Alwyn DAVEY
30. Patrick RYDER
31. Dustin FLETCHER
33. Mark WILLIAMS
34. Kyle HARDINGHAM
37. Kyle REIMERS
39. Heath HOCKING
40. Ben HOWLETT
43. Bachar HOULI
 
Richmond 26-man squad:
 
2. Will THURSFIELD
3. Brett DELEDIO
5. Troy SIMMONDS
6. Graham POLAK
8. Jack RIEWOLDT
9. Trent COTCHIN
10. Shane EDWARDS
15. Mitch FARMER
16. Luke McGUANE
17. Chris NEWMAN
19. Daniel CONNORS
20. Mitch MORTON
23. Daniel JACKSON
26. Robin NAHAS
27. Tom HISLOP
29. Tyrone VICKERY
30. Richard TAMBLING
31. Adam THOMSON
32. Ben COUSINS
33. David GOURDIS
34. Andrew BROWNE
36. Dustin MARTIN
40. Kel MOORE
44. Troy TAYLOR
47. Ben NASON
50. Relton ROBERTS
 
 
Match details - Essendon v Richmond 

When: Saturday 13 March, 3.30pm
Where: Morwell Recreation Reserve (Travers St, Morwell)