Melbourne give Sam Weideman a spell in the VFL
Melbourne have dumped out-of-form forward Sam Weideman for their clash against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday after he collected just six disposals against Richmond on Anzac Day Eve.
The 21-year-old has not kicked a goal for the past two matches and has been disappointing this season after having a breakout game in last year's elimination final against Geelong.
Melbourne, who have won just one of their first six games, opted to include mature-aged forward Tim Smith and give Tom McDonald another chance to find form forward of the ball.
McDonald was a revelation inside 50 last season, kicking 53 goals, but he has managed just two goals in six games this season.
The Demons also lost co-captain Jack Viney, who suffered a shoulder injury in a clash with Richmond's Sydney Stack on Anzac Day Eve, with Josh Wagner and Oscar McDonald returning to the team.
Hawthorn have instantly recalled veteran Shaun Burgoyne after James Cousins was suspended for striking Carlton's Sam Petrevski-Seton, while Dylan Moore will play his second game at the expense of Jack Scrimshaw, who is being managed.
Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott returns alongside premiership veteran Ben Reid for the Magpies' match against Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Friday night, with the Magpies dropping speedy forward Travis Varcoe for the second time this season while Mason Cox will miss with a foot injury.
Varcoe has been unlucky, with his pace missed against West Coast in round three however the veteran is benefiting from the occasional break throughout the season.
Port Adelaide included Karl Amon to replace star forward Robbie Gray, who is sidelined with a broken hand.
The Saints sprang a surprise by dropping veteran defender Nathan Brown, preferring to go with Darragh Joyce, who played in round one.
They take on the Giants who are without star defender Lachie Whitfield after he suffered a cork injury but they will regain co-captain Phil Davis who has recovered from the knock he received against Fremantle.
The Western Bulldogs remain unchanged despite losing to Fremantle, with Luke Beveridge keeping faith in the 22 who pushed the Dockers for three quarters at Optus Stadium.
Richmond included Shai Bolton and Connor Menadue to replace premiership forward Jack Riewoldt, who will miss at least six games due to a PCL injury while David Astbury will also miss after suffering an ankle injury against Melbourne last week.
North Melbourne swung the axe to omit recruit Aaron Hall despite him winning 20 disposals and kicking two goals against Port Adelaide with the Kangaroos certain to regain midfielder Shaun Higgins, who missed last week with a virus.
They resisted the temptation to recall Ben McKay to play on his twin brother Harry and kept Luke McDonald on an extended bench for Sunday's game, with the Kangaroos also naming Taylor Garner, Marley Williams and Jy Simpkin in an extended squad.
The Blues have been hit hard with injuries losing veterans Kade Simpson (hamstring) and Matthew Kreuzer (adductor) while recruits Mitch McGovern (hamstring) and Nic Newman (knee) were also ruled out
The Blues are likely to regain Charlie Curnow, who has been a late withdrawal the past two weeks in succession, while Liam Stocker is in line to debut, as is Angus Schumacher. They will also consider Will Setterfield as he is available after serving a two-match suspension.