The long-term playing future of Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan is in peril with the unlucky 27-year-old dropped for the match against Essendon at the MCG on Sunday.

It is the third time this year Coughlan, who missed two and half seasons through knee injuries prior to this year, has been dropped by the Tigers. He had only been recalled for the draw against North Melbourne last week.

Coach Jade Rawlings has re-affirmed his tough stance on any midfielders he sees underperforming after omitting Shane Tuck on Thursday and following it up by leaving Coughlan out of his final squad on Friday.

The Tigers get back midfield pair Ben Cousins and Trent Cotchin, forward Nathan Brown and ruckman Adam Pattison, while Alex Rance is the other player omitted.

Essendon gets back Nathan Lovett-Murray and Angus Monfries, while Sam Lonergan and Heath Hocking have been dropped.

Melbourne's poor run with injuries has continued with a back injury set to keep young defender James Frawley out of Sunday's match against Sydney in Canberra, while Neville Jetta has the flu. In all Melbourne has made seven changes to the team which was beaten by Geelong last week, the most notable of which is Jordi McKenzie, who will make his debut.

Sydney coach Paul Roos has omitted Patrick Veszpremi, Craig Bird and Paul Bevan along with the injured Ted Richards and has brought in Kristin Thornton, Jarred Moore, Amon Buchanan and Canadian Mike Pyke.

Rising Star nominee Taylor Walker still can't get into the Adelaide team, left out of the side for Sunday's Showdown with Port Adelaide, with Richard Douglas omitted and Phil Davis also an emergency. Richard van Berlo and Robert Shirley come into the side.

Port has left out Matthew Broadbent after just one game, with Nick Salter also overlooked, along with Hamish Hartlett. Shaun Burgoyne comes in for his first game since Round 3, while Troy Chaplin is also back.