St Kilda and Adelaide look set to roll the dice in their AFL top four-shaping matches this weekend, earmarking stars Justin Koschitzke and Andrew McLeod for surprise returns from injury.

The Saints included Koschitzke on an extended interchange bench for their vital clash with Geelong at Telstra Dome on Sunday for what would be his first seniors match since fracturing his skull in May.

And McLeod has been named in Adelaide's 25-man squad to play finals aspirant Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Sunday - a week earlier than expected after foot surgery a fortnight ago.

Whether they return or wait another week will be known on Friday night when their clubs' final teams are named.

For accident-prone Koschitzke, playing on Sunday would bring to an end a horrendous run of bad luck.

It started when he fractured his skull in a sickening collision with Western Bulldogs opponent Daniel Giansiracusa in round six.

Then he collapsed on national television in June, before colliding with an umpire during a reserves match last month sustaining minor head injuries.

Koschitzke had been slated to return two weeks ago, but neurosurgeons advised against it after conducting extensive tests.

It is believed he underwent further tests this week, and was given the green light for a return.

West Coast included ruckman Dean Cox to play the Kangaroos at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night - his first match in six weeks after his recovery from a fractured collarbone.

But Melbourne lost key players Russell Robertson, Matthew Whelan and Colin Sylvia through injury for its clash with Sydney at the MCG on Saturday.

Robertson injured his shoulder in last week's loss to Carlton and was unable to recover in time to play.

Defender Whelan and midfielder Sylvia both have calf strains and were left out, with tall key position player Brad Miller recalled and likely to be entrusted with curtailing Swans spearhead Barry Hall.

The Demons have also omitted Paul Wheatley and Daniel Bell, with Miller, Ryan Ferguson, Lynden Dunn, Chris Johnson and Shannon Motlop the inclusions.

Geelong, which must beat St Kilda on Sunday to keep its slim finals hopes alive, has recalled midfielder Gary Ablett despite a shoulder injury which was expected to sideline him for a further fortnight.

The Cats have also brought back fiery ruck-forward Cameron Mooney after his one-match suspension, and named Jarad Rooke and Kent Kingsley in their 25-man squad.

Essendon axed experienced Dean Solomon for the third time this season ahead of its match against Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide has lost rebounding defender Nathan Lonie for the rest of the season after he dislocated his shoulder at training on Wednesday night.

Lonie was one of three changes to Port's side to play the Western Bulldogs in Darwin on Saturday night, with Brad Symes and Adam Thomson also out with groin injuries.

Experienced ruckman Dean Brogan, Steven Salopek and rookie Greg Bentley are their replacements.

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