A day out from their match against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, Essendon have made a change to their line-up.

Bombers defender Patrick Ambrose has been withdrawn from the squad, with Matt Dea called in to the 22 to replace him.

Dea makes his first appearance for Essendon this season, after featuring in 21 games for the Bombers in 2016.

Dea has been named in the back pocket.

Check out the team line-ups for every match in round six here.