ESSENDON will be without ruckman Patrick Ryder and first-round draftee Jake Melksham for its NAB Cup opener against West Coast, with the pair withdrawn from the 29-man squad on Thursday.
Ryder, 21, has remained in Melbourne for the imminent birth of his child while Melksham, 18, has fallen ill with a stomach bug.
"Paddy's daughter is due at the drop of a hat and it is too far for him to go home quickly if the baby comes so he will stay in Melbourne and support his partner," Essendon general manager of football operations Paul Hamilton told the club website.
"Unfortunately Jake felt sick this morning (Thursday) and the doctors sent him home. We had to rule him out which is a pity because we were excited to see him, but it will give another player an opportunity."
The Bombers must shed one more player ahead of the Friday night clash at Subiaco Oval.
Five new faces, including former Hawthorn forward Mark Williams, are expected to run out for Essendon.
Michael Still, the club's fourth-round selection in 2008, Travis Colyer, Kyle Hardingham and beanpole rookie Christian Bock are the others.
The Eagles will field a similarly inexperienced line-up, but will welcome premiership midfielder Daniel Kerr back from a groin injury that spoiled his 2009 season.
The winner of this game will play Adelaide or Port Adelaide in the second round of the pre-season competition.
