MELBOURNE has wielded the axe and made five changes ahead of Wednesday night's clash with Richmond at the MCG.

The Demons have reacted to their shocking start to the season, dropping Charlie Spargo and brothers Corey and Josh Wagner after last week's loss to St Kilda.

Neville Jetta will miss with his knee injury, which is set to sideline him until late in the season, while back-up ruckman Braydon Preuss has also been forced out due to a shoulder injury.

Alex Neal-Bullen, Billy Stretch, Jeff Garlett, Tim Smith and Jay Lockhart will come in as their replacements.

FULL TEAMS Check 'em out here

In the now annual Anzac Day Eve game, Richmond has recalled premiership star Jack Riewoldt after recovering from his wrist fracture.

Shai Bolton has been omitted to make way for the Tigers spearhead as their only change after last week's convincing win over Sydney.

Wednesday, April 24

Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG, 7.35pm AEST

RICHMOND

In: J.Riewoldt

Out: S.Bolton

MELBOURNE

In: A.Neal-Bullen, B.Stretch, J.Garlett, T.Smith, J.Lockhart

Out: C.Spargo, C.Wagner, J.Wagner, N.Jetta (knee), B.Preuss (shoulder)