ESSENDON star forward Joe Daniher will play against Melbourne on Sunday afternoon despite widespread speculation he would be a late withdrawal.

There had been talk circling that Daniher would not take his place against the Demons, but with no late changes to either side those rumours proved to be unfounded.

The Demons will also go in with an unchanged lineup, with their top pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft (No.29 overall), Charlie Spargo, to make his AFL debut.

Spargo will start on the bench alongside James Harmes, Dom Tyson and Bernie Vince.

Gun midfielder Zach Merrett will begin the game on the pine, most likely to avoid a hard tag at the start of the match, with Jake Stringer, Matt Guelfi and Ben McNiece joining him.

Melbourne has had a five-day turnaround after its loss to Richmond on Tuesday evening, while the Bombers have had just four days to prepare for the match after they were beaten by Collingwood on Wednesday.

Essendon v Melbourne at Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm AEST

NO LATE CHANGES

FINAL INTERCHANGES
Essendon: Zach Merrett, Jake Stringer, Matt Guelfi, Ben McNiece
Melbourne: James Harmes, Charlie Spargo, Dom Tyson, Bernie Vince

FOLLOW IT LIVE: Bombers v Demons