Essendon's early-season injury woes have deepened, with captain Matthew Lloyd ruled out of their AFL clash on Friday night against the Western Bulldogs.

The club says Lloyd has suffered a calf strain and his absence means they will be without their two star forwards for the big game against the unbeaten Bulldogs at Telstra Dome.

Scott Lucas is also out of action until mid-season after injury his knee early in the round-one win over North Melbourne.

The Bombers were already without speedster Leroy Jetta with the hamstring injury he suffered last Saturday night in the win over Carlton, while Courtenay Dempsey is recovering from a hamstring problem.

Lloyd's absence will dramatically shorten the odds for the Bulldogs.

In a statement posted on the club's website, Essendon team manager David Calthorpe said they were unsure how Lloyd's injury happened or how long he would be out of action.

Calthorpe added that Lloyd was ruled out after failing to complete a fitness test on Thursday.

"He had a light training session on Tuesday and had a kicking session yesterday but felt some soreness later that night," Calthorpe was quoted as saying.

"We don't know the extent of the injury just yet, but we are hoping that it is only minor calf strain.

"There is no particular incident that Matthew is aware of that caused the injury, so it's difficult to assess if it's a result of a knock that he received or is simply a strain.

"He will miss this week's game and we will monitor the injury over the next week."

Essendon recalled Nathan Lovett-Murray and Henry Slattery, while Scott West's knee injury means Nathan Eagleton will return to the `Dogs line-up.

St Kilda will move a step closer to finally settling their defence in Saturday's Telstra Dome match against unbeaten Geelong when they welcome back key backman Matt Maguire.

He has endured rotten luck with injury for the last few seasons and a leg injury delayed his start to this year.

Former Sydney defender Sean Dempster will make his Saints debut, while they have dropped Raphael Clarke and Jarryn Geary.

The Cats recalled Ryan Gamble for Shannon Byrnes.

In other teams news, Fremantle dropped experienced pair Matthew Carr and Heath Black for Sunday's home game against Richmond.

Usually, teams only confirm omissions for Sunday games on the Friday night.

The Dockers added Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon, Luke McPharlin, Scott Thornton and Garrick Ibbotson to their squad of 25.

The West Australian clubs have been busy at selection, with West Coast making five changes for Saturday night's match in Sydney against the Swans.

Matt Priddis (knee) and David Wirrpanda (hamstring) are forced omissions, while the Eagles dropped Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher and Mark Nicoski.

Speculation continues that ruckman Dean Cox is in doubt with a foot problem.

Steven Armstrong, Jamie McNamara, Matt Rosa and Chris Masten were promoted and Matt Spangher will be the fourth Eagle this year to make his senior debut.

By contrast, the Swans made no changes.

Ben Ross is set for his senior debut in Saturday's MCG match against Melbourne, one of three additions to the North lineup.

Ed Lower and Jesse Smith also return to the side, with ruckman David Hale (quad) injured and Leigh Harding and Andrew Swallow dropped.

The Demons recalled Matthew Whelan and Mark Jamar for Paul Johnson (hand) and Colin Garland.

Winless Port Adelaide are unchanged for Saturday night's home match against Brisbane, who dropped Robert Copeland and Albert Proud for Troy Selwood and Cheynee Stiller.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP