Josh Drummond and Troy Selwood are each set to play their first match for the Lions this season on Saturday afternoon against Essendon. The pair have been impressing selectors with dominant performances in the reserves having overcome pre-season injuries.

Drummond and Selwood were two of three changes made to the side that fell to Adelaide at the Gabba last weekend. Midfielder Marcus Allan has also gotten the call-up for his third match of the season.

Ben Fixter and Justin Sherman have been omitted while Chris Johnson will rest on the sidelines with a foot injury.

Sherman will miss his first match for the Lions since making his debut back in round 4 2005.

The full team to take on essendon is:

B: Begley (46), Merrett (21), Roe (29)
HB: Adcock (7), Brennan (17), Copeland (30)
C: Selwood (28), Lappin (44), Stiller (32)
HF: Harding (5), Brown (16), Notting (8)
F: Rischitelli (35), Patfull (24), McGrath (9)
Foll: Charman (19), Black (20), Power (6)
Int: Hadley (14), Allan (42), McDonald (43), Drummond (39)

Emerg: Fixter (4), Sherman (11), Schmidt (13)