While doubt remains over the availability of Jake Carlisle, Essendon is set to welcome back another key player for Saturday night’s clash against North Melbourne.

David Myers (illness) will return after missing as a late withdrawal against Carlton.

“We look forward to him coming back in the side because his form over the year has been really consistent,” Bombers’ General Manager Football Performance Neil Craig said.

“He is a big strong midfielder who adds a lot to our side and is a great leader out on the field as well.”

Myers has had arguably the best season of his career, averaging 21 disposals and 4 clearances a game.

When the teams last met in Round 1, he racked up 27 possessions.

With Carlisle looking to overcome a minor hamstring strain to take his spot, Mark Baguley is also set to undergo testing this week after copping a heavy knock against the Blues.

Hopeful on the availability of both players, Craig says Essendon doesn’t want to simply make up the numbers in September.

“The challenge is to play a winning final because the club has played in two finals in the last nine years and those performances have been really poor.

“The next challenge for our playing group is an expectation to win and that is what we will have our group focused on this week.”