ESSENDON has named defender Mark Baguley for Friday night's contest against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, despite him being part of the Bombers' 2012 squad.

Baguley was on the club's rookie list and played seven games that year before being promoted to the senior list at the end of 2012.

Essendon originally said that no 2012-listed players would play during the NAB Challenge to protect the identities of the 17 or 18 provisionally suspended after ASADA's inquiry into the club's supplements program.

However Baguley now joins David Zaharakis, Elliott Kavanagh, Lauchlan Dalgleish, Nick O'Brien and Jackson Merrett as 2012-listed players selected for  the NAB Challenge.

The AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal is set to hand down its verdict on any penalties for Essendon players on March 31.

The Bombers have also named Jayden Laverde, who the club selected with pick No. 20 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, for the game against the Demons.

Laverde's versatility is a key strength and the Bombers have high hopes for him.

Melbourne has again named a strong side as it looks to get its team settled for round one.

Emerging forward prospect Jesse Hogan will play against the Bombers, while the club has also named rookie Aaron vandenBerg.

VandenBerg is in line to be promoted to the senior list ahead of round one, with one of Christian Petracca or Jack Trengove set to be placed on the long-term injury list.

The Brisbane Lions will be boosted by the inclusion of star recruit Allen Christensen for his first game of the pre-season against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Friday night.

Christensen has not yet played a game for the Lions after his recovery from back surgery he underwent towards the end of his time at Geelong. 

Friday’s game will see the Lions unleash their three gun recruits – Dayne Beams, Mitch Robinson and Christensen – for the first time together. 

Christensen was traded to the Lions in a swap for the Cats' pick No. 21 in a blockbuster move in last year's trade period.

The 23-year-old played 63 games in four seasons on the Cats' list and was part of Geelong's 2011 premiership side.

Only Pearce Hanley, who is expected to miss half the season after hip surgery, is missing from the Lions' notional best 22.

Matthew Leuenberger and Stefan Martin will again be the Lions' ruck tandem after playing together against the Sydney Swans.

The Suns also have a notable absentee, with skipper Gary Ablett not yet cleared to play with his shoulder injury.

However, Suns coach Rodney Eade has a strong side at his disposal for this week's clash.

Key defender Rory Thompson has been named to return after shaking off the effects of turf toe he suffered at a training session in January. 

However, star youngster Jaeger O'Meara has been ruled out after recent knee surgery and faces a race against the clock to be fit for round one.

Forward Tom Lynch has been picked to play, despite the fact he will miss round one through suspension.

The Suns will also give rookie Adam Saad every chance to push his case for elevation after an impressive NAB Challenge campaign.