Essendon could have two first game players when it takes the field against Melbourne this Sunday. Ruckman David Hille, key position player Ted Richards and midfielder Cory McGrath were today named in a squad of 28. Selectors were forced to make two compulsory changes with Mark Mercuri and Steven Alessio both sidelined with knee injuries. Three players will be cut from the squad tomorrow afternoon. Hille seems a certain starter given the loss of Alessio. The second inclusion is probably more clouded and may ultimately depend of the forward set up the Bombers decide to go with.

The Bombers have six senior players sidelined at the moment and five of them are suffering knee injuries. Chris Heffernan, Joe Misiti, Mark Mercuri, Steven Alessio and Michael Long have knee problems while Dean Wallis is likely to miss because of a hamstring strain.

Daniel McAlister could also miss this weekend. He faces the VFL tribuinal tonight on a tripping charge. The VFL side plays Sandringham at Sandringham this Saturday.