Zac Clarke and Alex Silvagni replace injured ruckman Aaron Sandilands (toe) and defender Zac Dawson (knee).

Stephen Hill is out with an ankle injury, while Hayden Ballantyne misses because of suspension.

Dylan Roberton, Lee Spurr and Michael Walters are the emergencies.

Walters’ selection as an emergency could be the clearest indication that Fremantle’s coaches are ready to give him another shot at AFL after the club had sent him back to Swan Districts for not meeting physical requirements earlier this year.

Fremantle assistant coach Mark Stone described Essendon as a team that liked to move the ball quickly and highlighted its midfield as a major strength.

“Essendon’s contested ball is really strong and their clearances and stoppage work is really strong,” he said.

“The big bodies in there, with Watson and those types of players, make them a formidable opponent and we’re going to have to play well to beat them.”

Stone said Lower’s inclusion would be important when the going gets tough in the engine room.

“Nick’s obviously big and strong and he’s played that role before, so we’re really confident that he can come in and do a job for us,” Stone said.

Lower, who played 19 matches in 2011 and averaged 18 disposals per game, hasn’t been able to break into the side so far this season because of injury and suspension.

Pitt was the club’s top pick from the 2010 National Draft and played eight games in his debut season.

Stone said the 19-year-old would come into the side as a mid-sized, running forward.

Saturday’s game will be champion defender Luke McPharlin’s 200th AFL game.

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