Essendon are expected to hand mid-season draftee Massimo D'Ambrosio an AFL debut against St Kilda on Friday night.
D'Ambrosio joined the Bombers through the Mid-season Draft on June 1 as the third overall selection, heading to Tullamarine along with South Adelaide forward Jye Menzie.
The Western Jets product was among Essendon's best in their VFL win over Carlton last weekend, collecting 33 disposals in the nine-point win.
D'Ambrosio was highly-rated for his speed and ball movement out of defence in the NAB League and for the Young Guns in their showcase fixtures against Vic Metro and Vic Country ahead of the June draft.
Bombers coach Ben Rutten has already confirmed Andrew McGrath will make his return from an adductor injury sustained ahead of Round 13, with News Corp reporting D'Ambrosio will join the midfielder as an inclusion to face the Saints.
Essendon will be without star Darcy Parish for this weekend due to a corked calf, while Kyle Langford will feature in the VFL against Sandringham on Saturday.
Should D'Ambrosio get the nod for Round 14, he'll become the third Mid-Season Draft acquisition to make his debut this weekend along with Blues backman Sam Durdin and Port Adelaide tall Brynn Teakle.
His inclusion would place some pressure on defensive duo Nick Hind and Dyson Heppell, who have had their form questioned at times this year.
Essendon have already unveiled Nic Martin, Tex Wanganeen, Ben Hobbs, Kaine Baldwin and Alastair Lord* as debutants in 2022.
The Bombers will face St Kilda at 7:50pm (AEST) at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.
