ST KILDA coach Alan Richardson has wielded the axe. making five changes to the side that lost to Carlton last Saturday in Wellington. 

Paddy McCartin, Cameron Shenton, Tom Curren, Nathan Wright and Ahmed Saad have all been dropped from the team to face Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Mav Weller, Jimmy Webster, Tom Hickey, Blake Acres and debutant Daniel McKenzie have been included. The Saints are still without captain Nick Riewoldt (calf) and Leigh Montagna (knee).

Essendon has lost veteran forward Paul Chapman for up to two weeks with a groin complaint. But the Bombers have named first-year forward Kyle Langford to make his debut. The 18-year-old was recruited to the Bombers from the Northern Knights with pick No.17 in last year's NAB AFL draft.

Port Adelaide has confirmed that star midfielder Robbie Gray will line-up in Sunday's showdown against Adelaide despite some lingering doubt over his corked calf that caused him to miss last week's win over Hawthorn.

Gray replaces Brendon Ah Chee as the only change for the Power.

Kyle Cheney will play his first game for the Crows after returning from a hamstring injury. Charlie Cameron has also been included in the Adelaide side. Kyle Hartigan and Jarryd Lyons have been omitted.

Dockers forward Hayden Ballantyne comes straight back into the side to face Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon after serving a two-week suspension.

Tendai Mzungu is the unlucky Docker to miss out after playing last week as the substitute.

Former Melbourne co-captain Jack Grimes has been recalled to face Fremantle after collecting 18 disposals in the VFL last weekend. Jordie McKenzie also returns with Neville Jetta (concussion) and Dean Kent (hamstring) have been ruled out.

New: Daniel McKenzie (Oakleigh U18s)

New: Kyle Langford (Northern U18)

In: R.Gray

Out: B. Ah Chee