The Bombers have been compelled to change their lineup.
Essendon has been forced to make a late change to their roster for Sunday’s match against North Melbourne, with veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel poised to make his first game of 2024 as a result.
Shiel replaces Nik Cox, who has been ruled out of the game owing to sickness. Shiel has been nominated to the 23-man squad, while promising midfielder Elijah Tsatas will join Nate Caddy and Nick Bryan as emergencies in Round 10.
Shiel’s season began later than expected due to a problematic foot issue sustained during the preseason.
The former Giant returned to the VFL with Essendon in Round 1 and has played five games since. The Bombers initially named an unchanged side for their encounter with the Kangaroos, with defender Jordan Ridley returning to the VFL rather than the top level after a quad injury.
A win for the Bombers this week would propel them into second place on the standings and mark their third consecutive triumph.
Essendon will host North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday at 1:10pm (AEST). An hour before kickoff, both teams will finalize their squads.
