Exciting youngster Aaron Francis is in the gun as Essendon make room for returning veteran Cale Hooker ahead of this week's clash with the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.

The Bombers are set to be boosted by the inclusion of key defender Hooker, who hasn't played this year because of a calf injury, while fellow big man Joe Daniher could return next week against North Melbourne on Good Friday.

While the Bombers broke through for their first win of the season against Melbourne last Friday night, The Age understands they were preparing to make four changes when their team to meet the Lions on Saturday is announced on Thursday night.

Cale Hooker could return this weekend for the Bombers. Credit:AAP

Youngster Kobe Mutch and journeyman Shaun McKernan are both out for extended periods with hamstring injuries, while the struggling Matt Guelfi is set to be dropped. David Myers is poised to return from illness, while Mitch Brown is set to fill the hole left by fellow key forward McKernan. Mason Redman is expected to be recalled, while Francis has been earmarked to make way for Hooker.