Essendon has made three changes for the match against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday.

Patrick Ambrose, Ben Howlett and Josh Green return to the line-up.

Jayden Laverde has been left out while James Kelly and Andrew McGrath have been rested.

The match against the Blues will be Ambrose’s first at AFL level since ANZAC Day.

Essendon champion Dustin Fletcher will be celebrated with a lap of honour before the game and fans are encouraged to be in their seat by 1:40pm.

Round 20

Essendon vs Carlton

Saturday August 5

MCG

2:10pm

In: Ben Howlett, Josh Green, Patrick Ambrose

Out: James Kelly (rested), Jayden Laverde, Andrew McGrath (rested)

B: Martin Gleeson, Michael Hartley, Mark Baguley

HB: Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Michael Hurley, Conor McKenna

C: Zach Merrett, Dyson Heppell, David Myers

HF: Brendon Goddard, Cale Hooker, Darcy Parish

F: Orazio Fantasia, Joe Daniher, James Stewart

R: Tom Bellchambers, David Zaharakis, Jobe Watson

I: Josh Green, Patrick Ambrose, Travis Colyer, Ben Howlett

E: Craig Bird, Kyle Langford, Matt Dea