Captain James Hird returns early from injury to lead his side against St Kilda in Friday night's vital round 17 AFL clash at Telstra Dome.

Hird missed just one game with a broken rib after initial fears he would miss four, but trained well during the week in the hope of helping his men stay in the eight against the ladder leader.

But with little body-on-body work this week, his return could be limited.

If he does play, Hird will lead the charge of the comeback kids.

Melbourne defender Clint Bizzell returns after two months out and Richmond's Marc Dragicevic will play his first game in over a year.

Bizzell has not played since he fractured his cheekbone in round nine, while Dragicevic has played just three games since round six of 2001.

Since then Dragicevic suffered two serious knee injuries, was delisted, then redrafted by the Tigers and put on the rookie list.

After starring in the VFL this year, he has been named in the centre for his first game since round 13 last year.

St Kilda lost Aaron Hamill (hip), Stephen Powell (ankle) and Jason Gram (hamstring), but regained full-forward Fraser Gehrig from suspension.

The Clarke brothers - Xavier and Raphael - are the other additions, the latter to make his debut.

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