GOLD Coast has named a close to full-strength side to take on Essendon in their NAB Challenge clash at Metricon Stadium on Monday.

Skipper Gary Ablett headlines the squad for the Suns, with David Swallow, Jaeger O’Meara, Jarrod Harbrow, Danny Stanley and Aaron Hall also named.

However, top-five finishes in last year’s best and fairest, Dion Prestia (calf) and Rory Thompson (adductor), will both miss. While Zac Smith (knee) and Nathan Bock (leg) are unavailable. 

Hyped youngster Jack Martin will feature in his second pre-season campaign for Gold Coast ahead of his debut season at AFL level. No.5 pick Kade Kolodjashnij was overlooked. 

Essendon will be missing big names Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard and Paul Chapman but will unveil three new draftees. 

Zach Merrett (pick No.26), Orazio Fantasia (No.55) and Fraser Thurlow (rookie draft) have all been named. 

Ex-Giant Kurt Aylett will also play his first game for the Bombers. 

Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis, Patrick Ryder, Dyson Heppell and Michael Hurley are among the big-name inclusions for the Dons. 

GOLD COAST v ESSENDON
Metricon Stadium, 4.10pm AEST 
Click here for the full NAB Challenge fixture

GOLD COAST
1. Jaeger O’Meara, 3. Timmy Sumner, 4. Jack Martin, 5. Jarrod Harbrow, 9. Gary Ablett (c), 12. Sam Day, 13. Andrew Boston, 14. Matthew Warnock, 15. Daniel Gorringe, 17. Steven May, 18. Trent McKenzie, 19. Tom Lynch, 20. Henry Schade, 21. Jeremy Taylor, 22. Tom Nicholls, 23. Charlie Dixon, 24. David Swallow, 25. Danny Stanley, 26. Matthew Shaw, 27. Clay Cameron, 31. Jackson Allen, 32. Brandon Matera, 33. Aaron Hall, 35. Michael Rischitelli, 36. Greg Broughton, 37. Jesse Lonergan, 40. Sean Lemmens, 46. Josh Hall

ESSENDON
1. Michael Hibberd, 5. Brent Stanton, 6. Joe Daniher, 7. Leroy Jetta, 10. Nick O’Brien, 11. David Zaharakis, 12. Mark Baguley, 14. Jason Ashby, 18. Michael Hurley, 20. Jackson Merrett, 21. Dyson Heppell, 22. Jake Carlisle,
24. Alex Browne, 25. Ariel Steinberg, 26. Cale Hooker, 27. Zach Merrett, 28. Elliott Kavanagh, 29 Cory Dell’olio, 30. Patrick Ryder, 32. Travis Colyer, 33. Dylan van Unen, 34. Kyle Hardingham, 35. Martin Gleeson, 36. Lachlan Dalgleish, 39. Heath Hocking, 40. Ben Howlett, 43. Kurt Aylett, 44. Fraser Thurlow, 46. Orazio Fantasia