Underperforming defender Zac Dawson has been dropped and the 31-year-old's career is almost certainly over with Lyon threatening to "play the kids" with the Dockers planted on the bottom of the ladder.

Nick Suban, Cam Sutcliffe, Darcy Tucker, Jon Griffin and Danyle Pearce have also been omitted.

Hayden Crozier, Tommy Sheridan, Ethan Hughes and Brady Grey come into the team for the Dockers clash against reigning premiers the Bulldogs at Domain Stadium on Saturday night.

Harley Balic - a classy, tall midfielder, taken with pick 38 in the AFL National Draft makes his debut for the Dockers, along with Griffin Logue who was Fremantle's top pick at number 8 in the draft.

Logue, 18, was regarded as the best tall defender in last year's draft and Balic, 20, has been in outstanding form with the Dockers' feeder team Peel in the WAFL, picking up 92 disposals in three outings.

It's the first time since Lyon famously "rested" a host of players in round 23, 2015 before the Dockers failed finals campaign, the club has blooded two new players.

Lyon said it "was obvious" the club needed to make some changes after last weekend's debacle against Port.

"We'll think it will give us some real enthusiasm," he told the club's website.

"They won't be perfect, but we've got a football program that prepares them and Peel plays in a similar fashion (to Freo) so they should be able to come in and execute their role."

Lyon said he was "keen" to see what Logue could produce.

"We've only got upside, there's real growth in him. He certainly won't be David Dench in his first game but he'll be Griffin Logue who can compete and roll off," Lyon said.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson has declared Lewis Jetta was a certain starter against the Tigers on Saturday, after the speedy winger missed West Coast's win over St Kilda last weekend because of a glute strain.

The 27-year-old recovered in time to play for East Perth, but was far from impressive picking up just 19 possessions.

Inside midfielder Dom Sheed has been dropped.

"It's probably just about balance," Simpson said told the club's website about Jetta's inclusion.

"We played an extra mid last week and we're trying to get everyone in the positions that will give us best output, which is hard to do. The balance of the side probably looks a bit better with Jetts in it."

Simpson was aware of the Eagles poor record at the MCG but was hoping an Eagles' win would silence a few critics.

"They've probably been a little bit like us; happy with their performance, but there's things that I'm sure they'd like to get better at," he said.

"This game is really important for both clubs, because it really sets you up if you can start off 3-0. I think it's going to be game on."

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