Demon Ben Brown will miss tonight's game against Essendon after entering AFL health and safety protocols as a COVID close contact.

Forward Sam Weideman will replace Brown, while veteran Mitch Brown will become an emergency for Simon Goodwin's side.

The premiership player is just the latest name in an ever-growing list of players to be forced out due to protocols.

Western Australian clubs have been hit hard, with West Coast's camp particularly hampered.

The Eagles will be missing captain Luke Shuey and small forward Willie Rioli, after naming a squad reliant on top-up players in last week's loss to the Kangaroos.

Meanwhile, their opponent this week, Fremantle, will be without coach Justin Longmuir after he too has entered isolation.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 13: Freemantle coach Justin Longmuir talks to his team during the round 2 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Fremantle Dockers at The Gabba on June 13, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Longmuir becomes the second coach to miss a game this season, with Blues coach Michael Voss missing their Round 2 win over the Bulldogs. A game that also saw Adam Cerra and Jack Martin miss through similar circumstances.

The Demons and Bombers will clash at the MCG at 7:20pm AEDT.