Carlton midfielder Brock McLean has been dropped, a week after failing to attend an AFL three-quarter-time huddle when subbed out of the game.

McLean had told the Blues he wasn’t sure if he was allowed back onto the field of play during the clash with Richmond at the MCG on March 27.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said 143-game veteran McLean’s only sin was not asking an official to clarify the rule.

But the Blues’ mentor made his frustrations clear earlier this week.

“We would have liked him, as a leader, on the ground,” Malthouse said.

“We’ve taken issue with it and we’re not going to hide it.

“He came up with the reasoning and we have to accept that.”

Carlton on Friday dumped McLean and Kane Lucas for Sunday night’s round-three game against Essendon at the MCG.

The Blues regain onballer Andrew Carrazzo and defender Andrew Walker who has served a one-game ban.

Essendon have ruled out ruckman Patrick Ryder with an ankle injury while Zach Merrett has been dropped, as Jason Winderlich returns to the forward line and 19-year-old Jason Ashby makes his debut.

Melbourne coach Paul Roos has axed Viv Michie, Jimmy Toumpas and former co-captain Jack Trengove after last week’s 93-point loss to West Coast.

Jack Viney is one of three inclusions for Melbourne.

The Demons face Greater Western Sydney, who will be without Lachie Whitfield because of a foot injury for Sunday’s game at Spotless Stadium.

North Melbourne named vice-captain Jack Ziebell in their 22 for Sunday’s match at Etihad Stadium against Port Adelaide, despite doubts over Ziebell’s fitness due to a shoulder problem.