Essendon's much-discussed policy of using three ruckmen has been shelved, with Tom Bellchambers dropped for Sunday's AFL meeting with Fremantle in Perth.

The ability of Paddy Ryder and David Hille to play as key forwards had allowed the Bombers to defy convention and field all three in every game since Hille returned from a hip injury in round five.

Bellchambers' demotion for the Dockers clash coincides with the return from injury of key forward Michael Hurley.

Ryder was named in the ruck.

Crucially, the Bombers also regained skipper Jobe Watson from a hamstring injury, having suffered their first consecutive losses this season in his two-game absence.

Carlton and Brisbane each made three changes for Sunday's Etihad Stadium meeting.

The Blues welcomed back ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and defender Paul Bower from injury for their first games of the season, while key forward Lachie Henderson will play his second.

Robbie Warnock was not recalled, having missed the past two games with concussion.

The Lions recalled Matt Maguire to replace injured key defender Daniel Merrett (back) and regained Tom Rockliff, as well as giving Mitch Golby an AFL debut.

Sydney regained talented midfielder Kieren Jack for Sunday's SCG clash with Richmond, dropping Andrejs Everitt.

The Tigers made three changes, elevating Tom Hislop from the rookie list to play his first senior game since round four last year.

Shane Edwards returned from a cheekbone fracture and tall defender David Astbury was recalled.

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