While the slumping Demons dropped three players amid five changes for the must-win clash, Jack Riewoldt's return is the only inclusion for the Tigers on the back of two impressive wins.

Lewis was criticised for his first senior game of the season last Saturday as Melbourne's early-season crisis deepened with their loss to St Kilda.

While coach Simon Goodwin acknowledged the veteran was not at his best after coming back from a hamstring injury, he was unimpressed with some of the scrutiny on Lewis.

"He was ready to go - he didn't perform to the level, and he's been criticised for that,'' Goodwin said.

''But what I will defend is what Jordan gives to this footy club, also to the game.

"I think we need to respect that. Some of those comments, that are quite insulting to our people, I will defend them strongly.''

The Demons lost Neville Jetta (knee) and Brayden Preuss (shoulder), while brothers Corey and Josh Wagner were dropped along with Charlie Spargo.

Jeff Garlett and Tim Smith will play their first senior games this season as Jay Lockhart, Alex Neal-Bullen and Billy Stretch were also recalled.

Riewoldt is back from his wrist injury and Shai Bolton made way for him.

The key forward's return is a major boost for the Tigers, who are coming off solid wins over Port Adelaide and Sydney.

But captain Trent Cotchin has suffered a setback as he recovers from a hamstring injury and is now several weeks from returning.

Riewoldt's return means half of the Tigers' Big Four is back in action.

Dustin Martin starred against Sydney in his return from suspension, while Cotchin is out and Alex Rance is recovering from a knee reconstruction.

Australian Associated Press