Essendon and Port Adelaide face injuries ahead of Round 3, with Ridley returning and Cochrane making his debut.

Essendon is gearing up for its Round 3 match against Port Adelaide, with significant team changes impacting both sides. The Bombers welcome back defender Jordan Ridley, a crucial addition to their lineup. However, they will be without young talents Archie Perkins and Elijah Tsatas due to injuries, which could affect their performance on the field.

Port Adelaide is also dealing with injury woes, losing key players Jack Lukosius and Ryan Burton ahead of the match. In a notable development, the team introduces debutant Tom Cochrane, who makes history as the first AFL player with Tourette`s syndrome. This inclusion adds a compelling narrative to the upcoming clash, highlighting the resilience and diversity within the league.

As the anticipation builds for Round 3, the rest of the team lineups are expected to be announced later this week, adding further intrigue to the matchups. Additionally, the VFL has revealed its state team squad for an upcoming showcase game against the SANFL, featuring several former AFL players, showcasing the depth of talent in Australian football. For more details on team changes and injuries, visit AFL Teams and for league updates, check Australian Football League.

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