Demons axe three for Eagles clash in AFL

Melbourne have dropped three players amid five changes for their massive AFL clash with West Coast.

The Demons blew last Sunday's home game against Sydney and the loss leaves them clinging to seventh spot with two rounds left.

They lost Jesse Hogan (foot) and Jayden Hunt (ankle) to injury but Jeff Garlett, Jay Kennedy Harris and Cam Pedersen were also axed.

Michael Hibberd is back from a quad injury to boost their defence with Dean Kent, Mitch Hannan, Jake Melksham and Sam Weideman also recalled.

By contrast, the Eagles are unchanged for the Optus Stadium match.

The good news continues for the Western Bulldogs, who have won their past two games.

They regain captain Easton Wood from a hamstring injury for the Etihad Stadium game against bottom side Carlton.

Zaine Cordy is out with a sinus fracture and the Blues have recalled Jacob Weitering and Aaron Mullett.

Carlton also named Tom De Koning for his AFL debut.

Mitch McGovern, Riley Knight and Paul Seedsman are back for Adelaide, who host North Melbourne.

Captain Taylor Walker is suspended and the Crows dropped Cam Ellis-Yeomen and Lachlan Murphy.

The Kangaroos recalled Nathan Hrovat for Paul Ahern.