THE BIG names are back for Essendon, with important defender Cale Hooker joining star forward Joe Daniher as key inclusions for Thursday night's important clash with Hawthorn at the Adelaide Oval.

The Bombers have also been forced to recall ruckman Andrew Phillips for the encounter, with Tom Bellchambers injured and promising youngster Sam Draper managed after a string of games with the senior team.

THE FULL TEAMS Check 'em out

Aaron Francis is also out injured, with the game marking Daniher's return from persistent groin injuries and a calf setback that have limited the star goalkicker to just 11 matches over the last three seasons.

Hawthorn has opted to rest veterans Ben Stratton and Shaun Burgoyne for the clash, with Jarman Impey injured. Jack Gunston and Jon Ceglar return, while Darren Minchington has also been named.

Richmond had already revealed that first-round pick Thomson Dow will make his debut in Thursday night's clash with fellow premiership contenders West Coast at Metricon Stadium, while premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis also returns.

Sydney Stack is injured, while Mabior Chol has been dropped.

The Eagles will also have a debutant, naming athletic ruckman Bailey Williams in place of the injured Oscar Allen. Important veteran Mark Hutchings also returns, with Jackson Nelson unavailable due to injury.

Thursday, August 27

Hawthorn v Essendon at Adelaide Oval, 4.10pm ACST (4.40pm AEST)

HAWTHORN
In: D.Minchington, J.Gunston, J.Ceglar
Out: B.Stratton (managed), S.Burgoyne (managed), J.Impey (foot)

ESSENDON
In: C.Hooker, J.Daniher, A.Phillips
Out: T.Bellchambers (knee), A.Francis (hamstring), S.Draper (managed)

Richmond v West Coast at Metricon Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

RICHMOND
In: T.Nankervis, T.Dow
Out: S.Stack (hip), M.Chol (omitted)
New: Thomson Dow

WEST COAST
In: B.Williams, M.Hutchings
Out: O.Allen (glute), J.Nelson (shoulder)
New: Bailey Williams