R12 Teams: Jaidyn Stephenson and Jared Polec have both been dropped, while Carlton loses ruckman Marc Pittonet to injury. Pictures: AFL Photos

COLLINGWOOD has wielded the axe ahead of Saturday's crunch clash with Melbourne at the Gabba, dropping three players, including former NAB AFL Rising Star winner Jaidyn Stephenson. 

North Melbourne has also had enough of its poor form, dropping four players for its match against Brisbane earlier that afternoon. 

The omissions of Stephenson, Chris Mayne and Tim Broomhead are among five Magpie changes, with Brayden Sier and Jordan Roughead both out injured. 

Stephenson has kicked just three goals in his past six matches, including two from four disposals in Collingwood's win over Adelaide earlier in the week. 

FULL TEAMS Check 'em out

Skipper Scott Pendlebury heads a host of big-name inclusions that also sees Darcy Moore, Jamie Elliott, Will Hoskin-Elliott and Ben Reid all return. 

Melbourne has recalled Jack Viney among three changes to play the Magpies. 

01:12

The Kangaroos have made six changes in total, with Jared Polec being dropped for the second time in a month. 

Jasper Pittard, Aaron Hall and Majak Daw have all been omitted, with Marley Williams and Mason Wood among the inclusions. 

Brisbane has recalled rugged midfielder Rhys Mathieson for his first game of the season, with Ryan Lester also coming back in after suffering a recent hamstring injury. 

01:09

The final game of Saturday sees Fremantle hosting Carlton, with just three changes between the teams. 

01:18

Michael Walters is back from a hamstring injury for the Dockers, while the Blues will unveil debutant Josh Honey, but have lost ruckman Marc Pittonet to a finger injury.

Saturday, August 15

North Melbourne v Brisbane, Metricon Stadium, 2.35pm AEST

NORTH MELBOURNE
In: E.Vickers-Willis, T.Murphy, W.Walker, M.Williams, M.Wood, L.Hosie
Out: J.Polec (omitted), J.Pittard (omitted), M.Daw (omitted), A.Hall (omitted), A.Bonar (AC joint), J.Macmillan (managed)

BRISBANE
In: R.Lester, R.Mathieson
Out: D.Rich (suspension), C.Ellis-Yolmen (omitted)

Melbourne v Collingwood, Gabba, 5.10pm AEST

MELBOURNE
In: J.Lockhart, B.Preuss, J.Viney
Out: M.Hannan (omitted), L.Jackson (hamstring), T.Rivers (omitted)

COLLINGWOOD
In: D.Moore, B.Reid, W.Hoskin-Elliott, J.Elliott, S.Pendlebury
Out: J.Stephenson (omitted), C.Mayne (omitted), T.Broomhead (omitted), B.Sier (quad), J.Roughead (concussion)

Fremantle v Carlton, Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST

FREMANTLE
In: M.Walters
Out: T.Colyer (hamstring)

CARLTON
In: J.Honey, H.McKay
Out: J.Martin (calf), M.Pittonet (finger)
New: Josh Honey