Essendon has announced its squad to take on the Western Bulldogs this Sunday in the round 18 clash at Etihad Stadium.

The big inclusion is ruckman Jonathan Giles who will come in for his first game for the club since being recruited in 2014.

He is joined by Jake Carlisle, Adam Cooney and Jake Melksham who all make their return from injury.

UPDATE: Michael Hurley has been withdrawn from this Sunday's team.

Make sure to check back at 5pm tomorrow for the final team.

Team: Essendon Match: AFL Round 18 - Essendon v Western Bulldogs Game Date: Sunday August 2 at Etihad Stadium

Backs:

Hooker, Baguley, Goddard, Carlisle, Hibberd

Mids:

Heppell, O'Brien, Stanton

Forwards:

Langford, Laverde, Melksham, Cooney, Daniher, J.Merrett

Followers:

Giles, Zaharakis, Z.Merrett

Interchange From:

Ambrose, Gleeson, Howlett, Steinberg, Browne, Gwilt, Edwards, Pears

IN: Giles, Carlisle, Melksham, Cooney, Pears

OUT: McKernan (omitted), Hurley (Knee)

*Please note a replacement for Michael Hurley has not been announced as yet, with Tayte Pears taking his spot in the squad.