Forwards Devon Smith and Alec Waterman have been included in Essendon's starting side to face Richmond for Saturday's Dreamtime at the 'G clash.

Smith earns his recall after being ill and unable to travel for the Bombers' round nine clash with Sydney.

Waterman will retain his spot in the side after being last week's medical sub, coming on for the injured Jye Caldwell in the final quarter.

After being given every opportunity to prove his fitness, Caldwell will unfortunately miss this week due to an AC joint injury sustained in a heavy collision with Sydney defender Patrick McCartin.

Defender Tom Cutler has been omitted.

Key forward Harrison Jones will be an emergency after recovering from an ankle injury and being listed as available this week.

ESSENDON'S RD 10 TEAM

Backs: Jayden Laverde, Zach Reid, Jake Kelly
Half-backs: Dyson Heppell, Mason Redman, Nick Hind
Centreline: Nic Martin, Zach Merrett, Matt Guelfi
Half-forwards: Sam Durham, Aaron Francis, Archie Perkins
Forwards: Alec Waterman, Peter Wright, Devon Smith
Followers: Sam Draper, Darcy Parish, Andrew McGrath
Interchange: Jordan Ridley, Dylan Shiel, Ben Hobbs, Nick Bryan
Emergencies: Tom Cutler, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Tex Wanganeen, Harrison Jones

In: Smith, Waterman

Out: Cutler (omitted), Caldwell (injured)

Last week's medical sub: Waterman (replaced Caldwell)