Essendon has had to make a last-minute alteration to their lineup for Saturday’s Dreamtime showdown due to midfielder Ben Hobbs nursing a calf injury. Hobbs will be replaced by second-year onballer Elijah Tsatas, following confirmation from the club on Friday. Additionally, rookie Archie Roberts has been drafted into the extended squad as an emergency.
Last week, the Bombers had to shuffle their lineup several times for Round 10. Tsatas was a late inclusion in their match against North Melbourne due to Nik Cox’s illness, while Darcy Parish’s absence led to Dylan Shiel taking his place just an hour before the game, resulting in a 40-point win over the Kangaroos.
For Saturday’s game against Richmond, Nik Cox returns alongside defender Jordan Ridley, who has recovered from a quad injury. Furthermore, Nate Caddy has been named for his AFL debut. However, Harrison Jones, suspended for one game, and Dylan Shiel are among those stepping out of Brad Scott’s lineup from last weekend.
Looking to secure back-to-back victories against Richmond for the first time since 2012, the Bombers aim to replicate last year’s one-point triumph in the Dreamtime clash, which marked Damien Hardwick’s final game in charge of Richmond. The game is set to kick off at 7:40 pm (AEST) at the MCG on Saturday.
