ESSENDON has made five changes to face Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Veteran Jason Winderlich headlines the inclusions, which also include Courtenay Dempsey, Nick O'Brien, Jackson Merrett and former Adelaide Crows ruckman Shaun McKernan, who has been promoted off the Bombers' rookie list.

Paul Chapman, Orazio Fantastia and Travis Colyer are out through injury, while Ben Howlett and Patrick Ambrose have been omitted.

Essendon Team

B: Hibberd, Hooker, Baguley
HB: Dempsey, Gwilt, Winderlich
C: Heppell, Goddard, Edwards
HF: Watson, Hurley, Z. Merrett
F: J. Merrett, Carlisle, Daniher
Foll: McKernan, Stanton, Melksham
I/C: Kavanagh, O'Brien, Cooney, Gleeson
Emer: Steinberg, Laverde, Howlett