MELBOURNE is looking to make a statement against Richmond on Wednesday night, making five changes to its side for the ANZAC Day Eve clash.

The Demons were forced to withdraw two players from their team that faced St Kilda last week, with Neville Jetta (knee) and Braydon Preuss (shoulder) ruled out with injury. Charlie Spargo, Corey Wagner and Josh Wagner have all been omitted from the side.

In exciting news for the Dees, Jay Lockhart will play his third career match, while Jeff Garlett and Tim Smith have earned their first games of 2019.

Running duo Alex Neal-Bullen and Billy Stretch have also been re-called for the clash at the MCG.

While Jetta will be sidelined for 10-12 weeks after having surgery on his left knee on Tuesday, it appears to be more positive news for Preuss.

The 23-year-old big man failed to pull up in time on the back of a four-day break but should only miss the one week with that shoulder complaint.

With the Round 6 clash being played mid-week, C.Wagner, Oscar McDonald, Tom Sparrow and Declan Keilty will be on stand by as emergencies.

Check out the full side to take on the Tigers below.