Ben Cousins is back for Richmond, one of several AFL clubs to make major changes to their sides for important games in round three.

The Tigers ended speculation this week Cousins had suffered a relapse in his recovery from a drug addiction by naming the veteran midfielder to play Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.

Cousins was one of six changes to the Richmond side, the Tigers dropping four players following last Sunday's thrashing to the Western Bulldogs, on top of Will Thursfield and Mitch Farmer who have leg injuries.

Cousins returns from a knee injury, while Shane Tuck, Dean Polo, Relton Roberts, Alex Rance and Matthew White are also back in the side.

Essendon, West Coast and North Melbourne were other clubs to make major changes at selection.

The Bombers made six changes for Saturday night's game against Carlton at the MCG, four players were dumped after last Sunday's poor loss to Fremantle, while Angus Monfries (quad) and Mark McVeigh (virus) could not be considered.

North dropped three players for Saturday's game against West Coast at Etihad Stadium, after they were belted by 104 points by St Kilda last Saturday night.

The Eagles made five changes but four of those were forced, as Sam Butler (facial fracture), Mark Nicoski (shoulder) and Patrick McGinnity (quad) are all injured, while Shannon Hurn is suspended.

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