STRUGGLING Richmond takes on injury-hit Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night.
After showing some positive signs early in the year, the youthful Tigers (3-13) have fallen away and have lost their past seven games.
They should be eyeing an opportunity to end that run when they take on the Bombers.
Hit hard by injuries, Essendon has lost its past five games to fall back to a 6-9 win-loss record.
The Tigers have made five changes for the clash, with Jayden Short and debutant Taj Hotton among the inclusions, with injury-hit Sam Lalor and Hugo Ralphsmith out.
Mason Redman returns for the Bombers along with Elijah Tsatas and debutant Oskar Smartt, with Archie Perkins and Jade Gresham dropped, and Jye Caldwell out with an ankle injury.
Richmond v Essendon at the MCG, 7.35pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: James Trezise
Essendon: Zak Johnson
In a huge clash at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, Fremantle hosts Hawthorn in a battle between two sides chasing finals spots.
The Dockers saw their six-game winning streak snapped by Sydney at the SCG last week.
At 10-6, they are in the race for finals and would love a win over the Hawks, who are 11-5.
The Hawks have lost four of their five meetings against the Dockers at Optus Stadium, a record they would be keen to improve.
The Hawks welcome back two father-sons with Calsher Dear and Finn Maginness in, as Max Ramsden and Seamus Mitchell go out of the side.
Freo captain Alex Pearce will miss with soreness, while Neil Erasmus has been dropped. Oscar McDonald and Sam Switkowski are the inclusions.
Fremantle v Hawthorn at Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Fremantle: Isaiah Dudley
Hawthorn: Finn Maginness
Greater Western Sydney v Geelong at Engie Stadium, 4.15pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Greater Western Sydney: Harvey Thomas
Geelong: Ollie Henry
Western Bulldogs v Adelaide at Marvel Stadium, 1.20pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Caleb Poulter
Adelaide: Chayce Jones
