Fremantle have made two changes for Saturday’s clash with Essendon at Marvel Stadium. 

Connor Blakely will make his return from injury, playing his first AFL game since round 13 of the 2018 season against Carlton.

Taylin Duman has also been added to the team. The defender was suspended for one game in round five and returns after three games out of the AFL lineup.

The pair replace midfielder Travis Colyer and defender Ryan Nyhuis, who have been omitted. 

Blakely is expected to continue playing mixture of a midfield and half-back. One of his career-best performances came against the Bombers, racking up 30 disposals, 12 marks and nine contested possessions in round two of the 2018 season.

The 23-year-old will play his first game in 11 months, missing the second half of the 2018 season due to a knee injury and the opening eight games in 2019 due to a hamstring injury.

Duman is likely to continue playing in a general defensive role, where he has averaged 11 disposals and five marks from his three appearances in 2019. 

Nyhuis, Colyer, Sean Darcy and Mitch Crowden are Fremantle’s emergencies for the game.

Bouncedown for the clash is 7.25pm EST (5.25 WST) and will be broadcast live into Perth on 7mate and Fox Footy.