Essendon midfielder Mitch Hibberd is set to make his debut for the club in Friday night's clash against Collingwood, according to AFL Media's Callum Twomey.
The 23-year old reportedly received a big cheer at the end of training on Wednesday, cueing his addition into the side.
Hibberd played four games for North Melbourne after making his AFL debut in 2017 before getting delisted at the end of 2019.
A starring role for Williamstown last year saw him get thrown an AFL lifeline by the Bombers in the 2019 rookie draft.
He underwent minor knee surgery in January to repair damage he suffered to his meniscus.
In other selection news, Essendon coach John Worsfold is toying with bringing defender Conor McKenna in this week.
McKenna is free to play after serving his one-match suspension for breaching COVID-19 protocols, however, Worsfold is cautious about his lack of preparation.
"He feels great, he feels fresh. He's got no bruises, that's for sure. But the risk versus the reward of playing him after the period of time he's just had and what he's been able to do and what he can do in the next few days versus just getting him a hitout," Worsfold said on Wednesday.
"We're weighing that up at the moment. We'll have a look at how he trains today, but there is definitely risk and reward there.
"He actually got in in the evening the other night and got to do a run around on his own, so he's already had one run and steps it up today."
Essendon meet the Magpies on Friday night at the MCG at 7.40pm (AEST).