The highly anticipated return of marquee big man Nic Naitanui was confirmed when the club released its team for the cut-throat elimination final against Essendon at Optus Stadium tomorrow night.

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Naitanui has not played since injuring his ankle in the round 17 game against Collingwood, but has ticked all of the boxes required from the club’s medical staff and is ready to resume.

He comes in to replace young utility player Oscar Allen, who has been pinch-hitting as the ruck support to Tom Hickey, but has knee soreness and could not be considered.

Also coming into the team are premiership defender Will Schofield and midfielder Mark Hutchings.

Schofield replaces emerging half-back Liam Duggan, while Hutchings has been included at the expense of young forward Jack Petruccelle.

Schofield was left out of the team for the last two qualifying games against Richmond and Hawthorn when the Eagles lowered their colours, but the match committee must see him as a better match-up Essendon's tall forward line.

Hutchings has overcome a hamstring strain that ended his day prematurely against Richmond.

He trained strongly during the week and will add some extra grunt to the team’s midfield.

Naitanui has played only three games this season after recovering from major knee surgery, but is one of the club’s most important players.

He will be on managed minutes through the game and will split the ruck responsibilities with Hickey, who will play the first final of his career.

Hickey was recruited from St Kilda a little less than 12 months ago and has been a strong contributor for the club in his first season.

Premiership players Liam Duggan and Nathan Vardy have been named as emergencies for the game along with versatile midfielder Brendon Ah Chee and exciting small forward Jarrod Cameron.