Richard Tambling, Jay Schulz, Shane Edwards and Jake King are out, replaced by Andrew Collins, Daniel Connors, Jordan McMahon and Robin Nahas.
The 186cm/78kg Collins, who was Richmond's last pick in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, is set to play his first game after some good performances in the VFL.
The Dees have dropped youngster Kyle Cheney and brought in Michael Newton to start on the wing.
Essendon welcomes back midfield star Mark McVeigh after he strained ligaments in his ankle a couple of months ago after recovering from a broken toe.
Also returning are Adam McPhee, who is back from a one-week suspension, and Irishman Michael Quinn, who missed last week with a virus.
Making way for them are Heath Hocking, who has a toe injury, and David Myers and Leroy Jetta, both of whom have been omitted.
North Melbourne, struggling at 1-2 and battling the lingering effects of its ill-advised chicken video, have dropped the struggling Corey Jones, while Daniel Wells has succumbed to a hip flexor injury.
Making his debut is Ben Warren, a 20-year-old forward from Queensland, while Ed Lower makes a welcome return after being dropped for last week's game.
Like Richmond, the Eagles have rung the changes, dropping midfielders Ryan Davis and Brad Ebert along with forward Ben McKinley.
Utility Brent Staker, veteran David Wirrpanda and Will Schofield have been selected to replace them.
The undefeated Bulldogs have had one change forced on them after Adam Cooney had keyhole knee surgery.
He has been replaced by Jarrod Harbrow.
