ESSENDON has made a late change for Sunday's game against Gold Coast, resting ruckman Todd Goldstein.
The veteran has been replaced in the Bombers' 22 by Nick Bryan, who will play his first game of the season.
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It means both teams will be without their first-choice rucks, with Jarrod Witts (hamstring) ruled out for the Suns on Friday.
Essendon has now made three changes for its trip to People First Stadium, with Harrison Jones back in along with Jye Menzie.
Gold Coast (6-5) is still yet to pick up a win on the road in 2024 but can be bolstered by returning to its home deck for the first time since round seven, where it has a perfect record this year.
The Suns still need to close the gap between their best and worst but could boost their hopes of a debut finals appearance with a first win over the Bombers since 2016, especially with the struggling Saints up next.
Essendon (8-2-1) has made the most of a favourable fixture that included facing the three bottom teams in the past four weeks, while also impressing with a rousing victory over Greater Western Sydney in that time.
The Bombers now turn to a stretch of matches against top-eight contenders, starting with a Suns outfit that has turned their home into a fortress, and with the Blues to follow before a bye.
Sam Flanders is back for the Suns, along with Ned Moyle and Will Graham, with Jake Rogers and Alex Davies omitted and Jarrod Witts out injured.
The Bombers have recalled Jones and Menzie in place of Nate Caddy and Alwyn Davey jnr.
Gold Coast v Essendon at People First Stadium, 4pm AEST
LATE CHANGES:
Essendon: Todd Goldstein (managed) replaced in the selected side by Nick Bryan
SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: David Swallow
Essendon: Elijah Tsatas
Melbourne v Fremantle at Traeger Park, 12.30pm ACST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin
Fremantle: Corey Wagner
