Mystery continues to surround the immediate playing future of St Kilda ruck-forward Justin Koschitzke, who was ruled out for this weekend's AFL match against Richmond.

He trained on Thursday amid speculation throughout the week that he would return on Saturday against the Tigers.

But the club did not name him and instead issued a statement saying he would need more medical assessment.

"Following extensive testing by various specialists including neuropsychologists, a neurosurgeon and neurologist, Justin is not available for selection this week," the statement read.

"While the injuries sustained are improving well, the evidence shows that there is still further improvement needed before he will be cleared fit to play.

"Further and continual testing will be undertaken over the next couple of weeks to establish when Justin will be made available for selection.

"Until the neurologists have cleared Justin fit to play there will be no further comments."

The Saints made one change, recalling Andrew Thompson from a shoulder injury for Michael Rix.

Koschitzke, surely the league's unluckiest player and a key to the Saints' premiership hopes, has managed only two senior games this season.

He last played in round six, when a bump from Western Bulldogs utility Daniel Giansiracusa left him with a fractured skull.

Koschitzke suffered a fainting spell during a live television interview last month, but this was said to be unrelated to the skull injury.

His comeback was further stalled earlier this month in his second comeback game at VFL reserves level.

Koschitzke suffered a chipped tooth and a swollen lip when he accidentally ran into a field umpire at a ruck contest.

That cost him a one-game suspension, which he served last weekend.

The Tigers lost Kel Moore with a groin injury, but regained Joel Bowden from suspension.

In other teams news, former captains James Hird and Ben Cousins headed the inclusions for Saturday's games.

Cousins will return from a week off with soreness to bolster second-placed West Coast for its match of the round against top side Adelaide at Subiaco.

The out-of-sorts Eagles made four changes, also recalling Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong and Ashley Sampi.

Adam Hunter (knee) and Matt Rosa (corked thigh) are unavailable, while West Coast dropped Andrew McDougall and Shannon Hurn.

The Crows, who have a two-game break on the Eagles, made three changes.

Trent Hentschel and Nathan Van Berlo will return from injury, with Jason Porplyzia earning a promotion.

Andrew McLeod will miss a month because of his foot surgery, Jason Torney is sidelined with a neck injury and Nathan Bock was omitted.

Hird's injury-plagued season is set to resume on Saturday night when Essendon hosts Brisbane at Telstra Dome.

He is back from another calf muscle injury, joining Dustin Fletcher and Adam McPhee in a major strengthening of the Bombers lineup.

Former Richard Cole will also finally make his Essendon debut.

The last-placed Bombers drew with Carlton last week, ending a 14-game losing streak that equalled the club record.

Essendon left out Paddy Ryder, Chris Heffernan, Joel Reynolds and Andrew Lee, with Brisbane making no changes.

Hawthorn is confident Peter Everitt will resume from his foot injury against Collingwood at the MCG.

The Hawks also named Joel Smith for his 200th senior game and left out Richard Vandenberg (virus) and Chance Bateman (elbow).

Collingwood recalled Jason Cloke and Nick Maxwell for Shane Wakelin (hamstring) and Chad Morrison.

Port Adelaide called up Domenic Cassisi and Matthew Thomas for Saturday night's home match against Sydney.

Port forward Daniel Motlop's season is over because of a shoulder injury, Alipate Carlile was left out and Sydney named an unchanged side.

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