Dean Solomon was tonight dropped from the Essendon side to do battle with Carlton at the MCG on Saturday. Solomon has not been at his best in recent weeks but the omission of the Premiership defender still surprised many.

Scott Camporeale was left out with hamstring injury while two midfielders - Ricky Dyson and Damien Peverill - were recalled to the senior side. Emergencies for the weekend are Paddy Ryder, Solomon and Joel Reynolds.

In other news, it was clarified today that Henry Slattery will be available to play against West Coast next week after being suspended by the VFL tribunal for one week last Monday. That suspension will be served this weekend despite Bendigo having the bye.