CARLTON recruit Billie Smedts has been dropped after just two games for his new club ahead of Sunday's clash with arch-rival Essendon at the MCG.
Smedts, a former first-round draft pick, joined the Blues from Geelong as part of the trade that sent running defender Zach Tuohy to the Cats at the end of last season.
After picking up 17 disposals on his Carlton debut and 16 in the loss to Melbourne, the 24-year-old has been axed alongside leadership group member Dennis Armfield.
North Ballarat product Tom Williamson, pick 61 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, comes in to make his Blues debut, while Sam Kerridge has won a recall.
The Bombers have added ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, with midfielder Heath Hocking and defender Mitch Brown into their undefeated side.
Big men Shaun McKernan and Michael Hartley have been dropped after the win over the Lions, while Ben Howlett (hamstring) is the other change.
Gold Coast has made three changes as the club gears up for a crunch clash with Hawthorn after a week of intense scrutiny.
Veteran defender Jarrod Harbrow, small forward Brandon Matera and teenager Brayden Fiorini have been included in the side which was thumped by GWS by 102 points in round two.
Callum Ah Chee and Jack Leslie have paid the price, while draftee Ben Ainsworth (corked quad) also makes way.
The Hawks lose smooth-moving backman Grant Birchall (fractured jaw) for the crucial clash on Sunday evening at Metricon Stadium and have omitted youngster Kade Stewart.
Tall back Kaiden Brand and Brendan Whitecross come in to bolster defence for Alastair Clarkson's winless outfit.
St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt's remarkable recovery from a serious-looking knee injury has been confirmed for the must-win clash with the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium.
Riewoldt is the solitary inclusion for the Saints' outfit which was gallant in defeat against West Coast in Perth, coming in for star midfielder Jack Steven (punctured lung).
Ruckman Billy Longer and Jack Sinclair have been named as emergencies, with Northern Territory youngster Ben Long having to wait for his first senior appearance.
The Lions have handed debuts to prized draftees Hugh McCluggage – the No.3 pick last year – and Jarrod Berry (pick 19), while young spearhead Josh Schache returns.
Ryan Bastinac, Ryan Harwood and Michael Close have all been dropped.
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, 1.10pm AEST
ST KILDA
In: N.Riewoldt
Out: J.Steven (punctured lung)
BRISBANE LIONS
In: J.Schache, J.Berry, H.McCluggage
Out: R.Bastinac, R.Harwood, M.Close
New: Hugh McCluggage (North Ballarat U18), Jarrod Berry (North Ballarat U18)
Carlton v Essendon at the MCG, 3.20pm AEST
CARLTON
In: S.Kerridge, T.Williamson
Out: D.Armfield, B.Smedts
New: Tom Williamson (North Ballarat U18)
ESSENDON
In: M.Leuenberger, H.Hocking, M.Brown
Out: B.Howlett (hamstring), M.Hartley, S.McKernan
Gold Coast v Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium, 4.40pm AEST
GOLD COAST
In: J.Harbrow, B.Matera, B.Fiorini
Out: J.Leslie, C. Ah Chee, B.Ainsworth (quad)
HAWTHORN
In: B.Whitecross, K.Brand
Out: G.Birchall (jaw), K.Stewart
