Essendon tall timber Matthew Leuenberger and Tom Bellchambers are set to return from injury to boost the Bombers’ ruck stocks.
Sixth-placed Essendon, unbeaten after two rounds, take on winless Carlton at the MCG on Sunday.
Coach John Worsfold told reporters on Tuesday that Leuenberger (hamstring) and Bellchambers (knee) are both pressing their claims for inclusion against the Blues after proving their fitness.