Essendon have reacted strongly to last round's dismal AFL loss to Adelaide, making six changes to the team to play Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

Brent Prismall, Sam Lonergan, Jake Melksham, Tyson Slattery and Michael Quinn were all dropped from the side belted by 84 points by the Crows, while Henry Slattery (soreness) was forced out.

Young key forward Jay Neagle was given his first senior game since round one, while Angus Monfries returns from three matches out with a hamstring injury.

Courtenay Dempsey, Ricky Dyson, Ben Howlett and Travis Colyer were the other inclusions.

The Demons included exciting forward Liam Jurrah for the first time this season after a pre-season shoulder injury, while Colin Sylvia returns from a foot injury.

North Melbourne regained key forward Drew Petrie for Sunday's crucial SCG clash with Sydney, while giving young key defender Robbie Tarrant his AFL debut.

The Swans lost Martin Mattner (quad), Henry Playfair (back) and Craig Bird (foot), replaced by Ted Richards, Paul Bevan and Brett Meredith.

Carlton regained defender Paul Bower from injury for their Etihad Stadium meeting with the Western Bulldogs, in place of Shaun Grigg.

The Bulldogs were forced to make three changes, losing youngster Sam Reid (shoulder) for the season, while Mitch Hahn (hamstring) and Will Minson (ankle) were also forced out.

Skipper Brad Johnson kept his place in their 22, despite hurting his ankle against Hawthorn last Friday night.

Defender Tom Williams, ruckman Jordan Roughead and forward Brennan Stack were the Bulldogs' inclusions.

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