Inspirational skipper returns for 250th game

Bombers make two changes to take on Carlton.

Essendon skipper Zach Merrett has been named for his 250th game as the Dons get set to face arch-rival Carlton at the MCG on Thursday night.

Merrett is among two changes for the primetime encounter, with veteran Dylan Shiel also back in the lineup this week.

Ben Hobbs and Saad El-Hawli have both been omitted for Thursday’s clash.

Get behind Zach in his milestone match and support the boys in their final Melbourne home game of the 2025 season.