Jordan Ridley will miss Dreamtime at the 'G on Saturday night, with the star defender entering the AFL's health and safety protocols.

The 2020 Crichton medallist was initially named in Essendon's team on Thursday evening, but has been replaced by emergency Tom Cutler in the 22 to face the Tigers.

MATCH-DAY GUIDE: THE LONG WALK & DREAMTIME AT THE 'G

Brayden Ham has been elevated to the Bombers' emergencies list in place of Cutler.

Ridley joins injured midfielder Jye Caldwell in exiting the side that lost to Sydney in round nine, with Devon Smith returning and last week's medical sub Alec Waterman holding his spot.

02:45

Rd 10 | Rutten on team selection

Senior coach Ben Rutten discusses changes to the team ahead of our round 10 match against Richmond.

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: Tom Cutler, Dylan Shiel, Ben Hobbs, Nick Bryan
Emergencies: Brayden Ham, Brandon Zerk-Thatcher, Tex Wanganeen, Harrison Jones

In: Smith

Out: Caldwell (injured), Ridley (HS protocols)

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