Eighth-placed Essendon have dropped five players ahead of Saturday's round-13 AFL clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Bombers coach James Hird reacted in savage fashion to last week's loss against Fremantle by dumping ruckman David Hille, Travis Colyer, Andrew Welsh, Henry Slattery and Alex Browne.

Tayte Pears, Brent Stanton, Sam Lonergan, big man Tom Bellchambers and midfield tagger Heath Hocking, back from suspension, come into the side.

North, 12th after their win over Gold Coast, have included Sam Wright and Nathan Grima for Ben Speight and key forward Lachie Hansen, who has concussion.

The Western Bulldogs have recalled Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney, who has been battling a knee injury, for Friday night's pivotal game against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.

Former All-Australian Lindsay Gilbee is back after being dumped two weeks ago and Jayden Schofield makes his debut.

Christian Howard has been dropped and James Mulligan (calf) and Brennan Stack (hamstring) are out injured.

Adelaide have dropped James Sellar and Brent Reilly is out with a knee injury. Ricky Henderson and Chris Schmidt come into the side.

Geelong have recalled wingman David Wojcinski after star midfielder Joel Selwood's controversial four-game suspension for striking.

The unbeaten Cats play St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday night where the Saints will regain Jason Blake and champion midfielder Leigh Montagna.

Vice-captain Jed Adcock is out of Brisbane's team to play Richmond at the Gabba on Saturday because of finger surgery. The 15th-placed Lions have dropped Cheynee Stiller Matt Austin and Bryce Retzlaff.

Josh Drummond, Ryan Harwood and Rohan Bewick have been recalled and 19-year-old debutant Patrick Karnezis is on the bench.

The Tigers have left out injured duo David Astbury (knee) and Jake Batchelor (general soreness) and omitted Matt White.

Richmond included Luke McGuane, Jayden Post and Jeromey Webberley, who will play his first game of the year.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP