Essendon vice-captain Michael Long will make his long-awaited return to senior football against Richmond at the MCG tomorrow night. Long has struggled to overcome a knee injury in the middle part of the season and hasn't played senior football since Essendon's Anzac Day clash against Collingwood. Long has played the past four games in the VFL side playing a full game two weeks ago. He only played a half against North Ballarat because of the five-day turnaround between that game and tomorrow night's match against Richmond.

Long underwent a fitness test this morning and came through it with flying colors. ""He was put through a pretty solid work out by our fitness staff and came through it really well. Everyone is looking forward to having him back,"" Essendon football manager Matthew Drain said. ""He is a vice-captain of the club and a great leader. His experience will be invaluable in the finals.""

Aslo included in tomorrow night's side is Justin Blumfield who has also receovered from a knee injury. He has played the last two matches in the VFL and was best player on the ground against North Ballarat last weekend. Mark Bolton has also been brought in to give the Bombers another tall option in defence.

Paul Barnard is out suspended, Aaron Henneman is missing with a hamstring injury while Cory McGrath was unluckily omitted.