Essendon have dumped former best-and-fairest winner Devon Smith as they chase their first win of the AFL season against reigning premiers Melbourne.
Aaron Francis has also been axed from the Bombers' team for Friday night's clash at the MCG, with Zach Merrett and Nik Cox out injured.
Dylan Shiel and five-goal debutant Nic Martin are back after missing round two, while Andrew Phillips has been included to help combat Demons ruck duo Max Gawn and Luke Jackson.
Earlier this week, Essendon coach Ben Rutten defended Smith from criticism about his output in round two.
Smith had just four disposals after recording 17 touches the previous week.
It has ultimately cost him his spot in the team.
"We just want to make sure we get him back to his best in terms of his form," Rutten said on Thursday when the team was named.
"I'm sure we'll see Dev back really soon."
Port Adelaide have also made big calls at selection, dropping Xavier Duursma, new recruit Jeremy Finlayson and last week's debutant Josh Sinn, their top draft pick from last year.
Duursma has been named as an emergency for the Showdown against Adelaide on Friday night.
The Power sit last on the ladder after consecutive defeats to open the season, including a shock home loss to Hawthorn in round two, and are still unable to call upon star duo Robbie Gray (virus protocols) and Charlie Dixon (ankle).
Sam Mayes and second-gamer Jed McEntee will play against the Crows, who have lost captain Rory Sloane to an adductor injury but regained Rory Laird.
Collingwood have handed 2020 second-round draft pick Reef McInnes a debut against Geelong on Saturday night.
McInnes, who spent three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury last year, is expected to add pace and strength to the Magpies' midfield.
Star defender Brayden Maynard returns for the Pies after a two-game suspension for striking, while key forward Mason Cox has been overlooked.
The Cats have recalled Shaun Higgins (rested) and Sam De Koning (concussion) in place of Zach Guthrie and Luke Dahlhaus.
Lachie Weller is back for Gold Coast on Saturday against a GWS side that will feature former Kangaroos and Demons ruckman Braydon Preuss for the first time.
Brisbane have regained Mitch Robinson from suspension for Saturday night's meeting with North Melbourne, who have recalled Jaidyn Stephenson after he was dropped last week.
Carlton have lost another defender to injury ahead of Sunday's clash with Hawthorn, with Mitch McGovern (hamstring) joining Oscar McDonald on the sidelines.
The Hawks have regained Chad Wingard from a hamstring and recalled Will Day but Liam Shiels has been left out again.
Richmond leaders Dylan Grimes and Jack Riewoldt are in line to return from injuries against St Kilda on Sunday, with the Saints naming ruckman Paddy Ryder for the first time this year.
