ESSENDON big man Joe Daniher has been handed a reprieve after being a late inclusion in the Bombers' side for the Dreamtime clash with Richmond at the MCG.

The 20-year-old was dropped on Thursday night but he was brought back into the team when Michael Hurley was ruled out with back soreness.

Dons coach Mark Thompson had hinted on Friday that Daniher, who has featured in every game this season so far, was still in calculations, despite being named as an emergency.

"He might play AFL yet," Thompson said. "Our squad's not really determined. There's a few concerns we have to get through."

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The chances of Daniher coming into the Essendon team increased markedly when he didn't line up in the Saturday afternoon VFL match between the Bombers and Richmond at the Punt Road Oval.

The subs for the Dreamtime match are Jake Melksham (Essendon) and Nathan Foley (Richmond).

Twitter: @AFL_AdamMcNicol