St Kilda has made three changes ahead of Sunday’s clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium, with experienced defender Sean Dempster returning along with defensive forward Nathan Wright and athletic wingman Daniel McKenzie.

Key forward Paddy McCartin won’t face the Bombers after being ruled out earlier in the week due to concussion, while small forward Jack Lonie and key defender Tom Lee have both been omitted after the Saints 40-point loss to Gold Coast last Saturday.

Dempster, 32, returns for his first game since suffering a knee injury in the Saints’ disappointing loss against Adelaide in Round 11.

With Sam Fisher still on the comeback trail from a hamstring strain, Dempster’s return bolsters the Saints back six.

After missing last weekend’s trip to the sunshine state, hard-nosed utility Wright returns after overcoming a shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old played an important role in St Kilda’s upset win over Geelong in Round 14, kicking two early goals before playing through some discomfort after injuring his shoulder.

With St Kilda badly beaten on the spread against the Gold Coast Suns, Senior Coach Alan Richardson has recalled McKenzie for his first appearance since Round 10.

The second-year midfielder was a late withdrawal from the Saints trip to face Adelaide after falling ill on the morning of the game. He has since put his hand up for selection on the back of promising form at VFL level.

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Round 16 Premiership Team v Essendon
Sunday 10 July at 4.40pm
Etihad Stadium

B: J. Geary, L. Delaney, D. Roberton
HB: J. Newnes, S. Dempster, S. Gilbert
C: M. Weller, D. Armitage, L. Montagna
HF: T. Membrey, N. Riewoldt, L. Dunstan
F: J. Gresham, J. Bruce, D. Minchington
R: T. Hickey, S. Ross, J. Steven
Interchange from: S. Savage, B. Acres, N. Wright, D. McKenzie

IN: S. Dempster, N. Wright, D. McKenzie
OUT: T. Lee (omitted), P. McCartin (concussion), J. Lonie (omitted)

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