Brisbane has allowed winless opponent Hawthorn no relief by naming star ruck-rover Simon Black as the replacement for captain Michael Voss for Saturday's round four AFL game at the MCG.

Voss will miss the game with a broken finger, which he suffered at training on Wednesday, but his absence was offset by the return of fellow Brownlow medallist Black, who has served his three-game suspension from last year's grand final, when he struck Port Adelaide duo Kane Cornes and Damien Hardwick.

The Lions, who have not lost three successive games since late 1998, made three other changes after last week's fade-out loss to Sydney, as Clark Keating, Daniel Merrett and Tom Logan were all dropped and Brad Scott, newcomer Justin Sherman and Jamie Charman - also back from suspension - were recalled.

The Hawks, the only winless side, replace Danny Jacobs (jaw) and Josh Thurgood (cheekbone) with Michael Osborne and Nick Ries.

Essendon named captain James Hird, who is at odds to play having suffered internal bleeding in his knee from a knock against the Hawks, while Adam Ramanauskas is out for the season with a serious knee injury.

The Bombers named Margarey medallist Paul Thomas in the back pocket for his debut, and brought in Nathan Lovett-Murray and Ben Haynes for the dropped Ted Richards and Marc Bullen for Saturday night's game against Geelong.

The Cats made one change - Steve Johnson in for Andrew Mackie - but named James Bartel on a wing after he was heavily concussed against Melbourne a week ago.

Like Brisbane, West Coast had mixed fortunes, as the return of midfielder Tyson Stenglein from a groin injury was tarnished by the loss of silky onballer Daniel Kerr (calf) to play the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco on Saturday.

The Eagles recalled Mark Seaby and Damien Adkins for omitted duo Mark Nicoski and Brent Staker.

The Bulldogs will unearth highly-rated draftee Ryan Griffen, the No.3 pick last year, who was included with fledgling ruckman Will Minson and the versatile Sam Power.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP