Geelong have recalled Jon Ceglar and Gary Rohan to cover injuries in their AFL clash with Sydney and Melbourne have named Max Gawn to play in the blockbuster against Richmond.
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Key defender Alex Keath will return from concussion for the Western Bulldogs against Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Friday night, as a replacement for Josh Bruce (ribs).
The Dockers have lost Sam Switkowski (calf) and named last week's substitute Will Brodie in their starting side.
Ceglar and Rohan will return in place of Rhys Stanley (cheekbone) and Tyson Stengle (arm) at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday night, as the Cats unfurl last year's premiership flag against their vanquished grand final opponent.
It is the first meeting between the two sides since the grand final and first home game for Geelong at their regular base this season.
Former Essendon defender Aaron Francis will play his first game for Sydney and Ryan Clarke has been recalled.
But the Swans have lost Joel Amartey to a significant hamstring setback and will again be without injured guns Lance Franklin, Dane Rampe, Tom McCartin and Paddy McCartin
Tom Green's suspension has opened the door for Harry Perryman to be recalled for GWS's clash with Brisbane, who have regained Jack Gunston and left out Darcy Fort for the Saturday twilight meeting in Canberra.
Brent Daniels and Harry Rowston are also back for the Giants, who have again dropped Adam Kennedy.
Young midfielder Cooper Hamilton will miss multiple matches with a foot stress fracture but does not require surgery at this stage.
Port Adelaide have regained captain Tom Jonas but lost key forward Charlie Dixon (knee) and dropped former West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett for Saturday's encounter with the Eagles.
West Coast captain Luke Shuey is fit to return but Elliot Yeo (groin) is again unavailable amid a mounting injury crisis.
The struggling Eagles also pulled a surprise move, calling on 2018 premiership defender Will Schofield to fill a hole in their reserves team.
Schofield, who retired in 2020 after 194 AFL games, will play for West Coast in the WAFL this week.
Carlton have named Mitch McGovern (calf) in their extended squad for Sunday's clash with St Kilda, while Tim Membrey looms as the likely inclusion for suspended Saints forward Anthony Caminiti after overcoming a knee injury.
Gawn has been picked in Melbourne's extended squad for Monday night's clash with Richmond, having missed the last three matches with a knee injury.
Jake Lever (ankle) and Michael Hibberd (Achilles) have also been named but Ben Brown (back) is absent again.
Australian Associated Press
