Essendon has made a change to its line-up for Saturday night's Round 3 match against North Melbourne, after first-year player Dyson Sharp failed to overcome an ankle concern.
Sharp, who debuted in Round 1 and has played the past two games, will be replaced by Archer May, with the 21-year-old forward earning a recall after being dropped following the Round 1 loss to Hawthorn.
With the late change, small forward Hussien El Achkar (omitted) joins Matt Guelfi and Jayden Nguyen (omitted) as an emergency for the Marvel Stadium clash. Max Kondogiannis has also been dropped. Veteran forward Jade Gresham, as well as Saad El-Hawli and Archer Day-Wicks, come into the Bombers' side, while Jacob Farrow will make his debut.
The Kangaroos have made three changes of their own, with George Wardlaw, Aidan Corr and Callum Coleman-Jones all returning. Wardlaw has been absent after straining his hamstring in a VFL practice game in the pre-season.
Griffin Logue misses due to injury, while Jack Darling and Jacob Konstanty have been dropped.
The Saturday evening match is highly anticipated, with the blowtorch certain to be applied to the loser.
Essendon has been hammered in its two games in 2026, losing by 62 and 63 points respectively, and the club is staring down the barrel of a 16th consecutive loss, dating back to May last year.
The Bombers have this week been the subject of intense scrutiny from fans and the media.
North Melbourne, meanwhile, enjoyed a good win against Port Adelaide to open its campaign, but lowered its colours when giving up a 30-point lead in a Round 2 loss to West Coast in Perth on Sunday.
