AFL.com.au's Michael Whiting looks at the players who could replace the injured Dayne Beams.

With Captain Dayne Beams out for up to a month with a shoulder injury, Chris Fagan will be looking for at least one new midfield face to play Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Draftee Cedric Cox was excellent in the NEAFL team's thumping of GWS at the weekend, as was second-year player Ben Keays. Cox collected 24 disposals against the GIANTS, while Keays had a game-high 33 disposals and kicked a goal. 

If Fagan wants a slightly bigger body to replace Beams, he could opt for in-form Liam Dawson or Marco Paparone. 

Claye Beams has also been impressive in the NEAFL since returning from a minor hamstring injury and could be in line for a recall. 

Alex Witherden should keep his spot after impressing against the GIANTS in his AFL debut. 

The Bombers look likely to make a few changes for Sunday's clash, according to AFL.com.au's Callum Twomey.

Darcy Parish should come back into Essendon's side for Sunday's clash with the Brisbane Lions after playing in the VFL last week. Parish had 27 disposals, two tackles and kicked a goal in the VFL following three weeks out with a calf injury.

The Bombers will also be hoping key forward Cale Hooker returns after missing last week's tight loss to Sydney with a finger injury sustained at training.

David Myers had 24 disposals after being dropped from the senior team, while Josh Begley, who was an emergency for the Bombers at the SCG, came back to Melbourne and kicked four goals in another impressive showing in the VFL. He's edging closer to an AFL debut.