Essendon made four changes ahead of Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs, with Michael Hurley lost on Friday to a knee injury.
Hurley was withdrawn from the squad on Friday afternoon, with elevated rookie Shaun McKernan one of three omissions.
Jonathan Giles will make his long-awaited debut for the Bombers, with the former first-choice Greater Western Sydney ruckman finally breaking into the side after McKernan's continued struggle to make an impact.
Jake Carlisle will also add some much-needed height to the line-up, with Jake Melksham in to bolster the onball brigade.
The Bulldogs stuck with the same 22 that recorded a hard-fought 18-point win last week over Collingwood.
Port Adelaide dropped out-of-form duo Angus Monfries and Jarman Impey for their clash with St Kilda and replaced them with Sam Gray and Jasper Pittard.
The Saints announced on Thursday Nick Riewoldt (calf soreness), Sam Gilbert (groin) and Jack Lonie (rested) wouldn't make the trip to Adelaide, with Tom Hickey, Tim Membrey and Daniel McKenzie their replacements.
Zac Dawson has made a timely return to the Fremantle line-up, with the full-back set to play his first game of the season after overcoming groin and thumb injuries.
Lachie Weller, the brother of St Kilda's Maverick, will make his AFL debut, with superstar Nat Fyfe sidelined by a groin complaint.
The Dockers host the Giants, who regained co-captain Phil Davis as one of five changes to the side defeated last week by Geelong.
Share
