ON THE back of a stunning fade-out Essendon has dropped premiership players Adam Ramanauskas and Mal Michael from the side playing Richmond tomorrow.

Already battling a heavy injury toll the Bombers go into the match desperate to resurrect a season quickly spiralling out of control.

After a 91-point loss to Sydney coach Matthew Knights was disappointed with the efforts of experienced players and reacted by swinging the axe at the selection table.

Ramanauskas was part of the Bombers 2000 premiership side and Michael, a veteran of more than 200 games, played in all three of Brisbane's premiership sides of 2001, '02 and '03.

Young ruckman Jason Laycock lost his spot in the wake of the Bombers' seventh loss, while Bachar Houli has been sidelined with a virus.

Adam McPhee returns from suspension and looks certain to get the job on Matthew Richardson, who is firming in Brownlow Medal betting.

Nathan Lovett-Murray, Jobe Watson and Ricky Dyson also return for the Bombers in the Dreamtime clash at the MCG. Richmond has brought Adam Pattison and Jay Schulz into the side at the expense of Mitch Morton and Luke McGuane.

Collingwood named ruckman Josh Fraser for tonight's match against Geelong at the MCG, while Cameron Wood has been omitted.

The Cats have brought back Matthew Stokes after a one-match suspension and ruckman Trent West. Max Rooke and rookie Shane Mumford were omitted. Carlton welcomes back defender Bret Thornton (knee) for tomorrow's match against Fremantle at Telstra Dome.

The Blues also named Jake Edwards for his first game since round two and ruckman Shaun Hampson.

Cain Ackland, who played his first game of 2008 last week, was omitted and Richard Hadlee will miss up to four weeks with a groin injury. Michael Jamison, who received a shoulder injury last week against the Lions, could also miss two to four weeks.

Fremantle has named Antoni Grover and Chris Mayne for Roger Hayden (collapsed lung) and Marcus Drum (hamstring).

The Swans have lost Tadgh Kennelly (knee) ahead of tomorrow's match against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium and brought Tim Schmidt into the line-up.

Port Adelaide's Chad Cornes returns after breaking a finger in round six, while defender Michael Wilson returns after rupturing his Achilles tendon in last year's preliminary final.

Shaun Burgoyne received a three-week suspension following last week's loss to Hawthorn and Adam Thomson was omitted.

West Coast has named Tim Houlihan and rookie Beau Wilkes and omitted Mark Nicoski and Jaymie Graham for tomorrow's game against Adelaide at Subiaco.

The Crows brought back Richard Douglas and Brent Reilly, omitting Jarrhan Jacky and Luke Jericho.