Essendon will welcome back former top 10 pick Nik Cox to football after spending large chunks on the sidelines due to concussion symptoms.
Cox has more or less been sidelined since copping a knock to the head in last year's Round 22 clash against Gold Coast, when he was subbed out with concussion.
The 23-year-old was ruled out for the remainder of the 2024 season, and had struggled to progress through his symptoms before a calf issue hindered his availability once more.
On Friday, Cox will take his place in his first outing of the year, facing North Melbourne at Windy Hill.
Forward-midfielder Matt Guelfi will also line up after overcoming a hamstring injury that required surgery in February.
It comes as the Bombers will be licking their wounds (literally) after a hard-fought victory against North Melbourne on Thursday night.
Jordan Ridley, Harrison Jones and Jade Gresham all failed to play out the match, and could be sidelined for extended periods.
Jones went to the hospital straight from the game, and is understood to have dislocated his ankle.
"I'm OK. Had two X-rays last night, no major breaks. It's a lot better than it could have been," Jones said on Friday.
"I think I was in shock to be honest. I sort of looked down and saw my foot was the other way ... I just sort of sat there ... it all happened pretty quick."
@essendonfc Harry Jones with an update on his ankle injury @7NewsMelbourne @7AFL pic.twitter.com/ZpuIkUPeUK
โ Kate Massey (@KateMassey_7) May 2, 2025
Ridley was subbed from the game during the second quarter after hurting his hamstring, and could miss up to three weeks.
Gresham suffered a minor adductor injury and will be a test next week, but is more likely to miss.
Midfielder Jye Caldwell should be able to fill the void while Darcy Parish is another two weeks away.
Untried key defender Lewis Hayes could be in line for an AFL debut following Ridley's injury. Hayes has been emergency on multiple occasions, giving the impression that Brad Scott is considering him for selection.
Alwyn Davey Jr. poses as the like-for-like replacement for Gresham, pending the former Saint fails to play next week.
The Bombers have an extended break in the lead-up to their clash with Sydney in Round 9.
