ESSENDON big man Shaun McKernan is set to line up in the ruck against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday night after he was upgraded from the rookie list. 

The Bombers have had their ruck stocks decimated after Matthew Leuenberger suffered a hamstring injury in the JLT Community Series and was ruled out until round three, while Tom Bellchambers played limited minutes in a VFL practice match last Friday in his comeback from knee surgery.

McKernan, 26, replaced Jordan Ridley on the senior list. Ridley is recovering from a stress fracture in his back.

The former Crow impressed against Geelong in Essendon's final pre-season game. He picked up 21 disposals, 19 hit-outs and kicked two goals, as well as a supergoal.

He also looked good in the club's first pre-season match against Collingwood, when he booted three goals.

Listed at 196cm, McKernan lacks height as a ruckman but offers mobility around the ground.

Injuries sidelined him at times last year and he played just six games, for a total of 49 career matches.