RICHMOND and Essendon have each made one change to their teams ahead of their round 16 clash at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Will Thursfield will come into the Richmond team for Daniel Connors, while the Bombers are bringing in one veteran for another with Mal Michael replacing Dustin Fletcher in the run-on team.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace has been struggling with a respiratory condition but will coach the side in what looms as a pivotal match for both clubs