Oscar McDonald is one of four Demons dropped after their upset loss to Sydney. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

MELBOURNE has dropped four players and lost another three to injury for Monday night's season-defining clash against Fremantle at Cazalys Stadium.

FULL TEAMS Check 'em out

Angus Brayshaw (foot), Nathan Jones (quad) and James Harmes (hamstring) were all ruled out earlier on Sunday and they will be joined on the sidelines by omitted quartet Oscar McDonald, Charlie Spargo, Mitch Brown and Josh Wagner.

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Michael Hibberd returns from an ankle injury, while Aaron vandenBerg, Jayden Hunt and Braydon Preuss are among the ins.

The massive seven changes come after the Demons suffered a shock loss to Sydney on Thursday to leave their finals hopes hanging by a thread.

Fremantle made no changes to the side that lost to Richmond on Wednesday night.

The ninth-placed Demons trail GWS by four points in the race for finals and simply must win to keep their season alive. 

THE LADDER Where is your team sitting?

Monday, September 7

Melbourne v Fremantle, Cazalys Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

MELBOURNE
In: M.Hibberd, A.vandenBerg, K.Pickett, T.Bedford, B.Preuss, J.Hunt, O.Baker
Out: O.McDonald (omitted), C.Spargo (omitted), M.Brown (omitted), J.Wagner (omitted), N.Jones (quad), J.Harmes (hamstring tightness), A.Brayshaw (foot) 

FREMANTLE
No changes