Collingwood have resisted the temptation to recall star forward Alan Didak for his first match of the AFL season in the annual Anzac Day clash against Essendon.

Didak has found fitness in the VFL after recovering from a pre-season adductor injury, but has only been named as an emergency for the showcase match at the MCG on Wednesday.

The Magpies have named key defender Nathan Brown to play his first senior match since the 2010 grand final.

He missed all of last season with knee injuries.

Small forward Kirk Ugle will make his senior debut, with the Magpies dropping Jackson Paine and Tom Young.

Essendon made only one forced change from the side which upset flag favourites Carlton last weekend.

Jake Carlisle replaces Michael Hurley who will miss a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury.