Collingwood will again enter a big AFL match without captain Scott Burns, whose persistent calf soreness has ruled him out of Friday's Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon at the MCG.

Burns missed the Magpies' defeats to Carlton and North Melbourne and his latest absence means his 250th game milestone must wait another week at least.

Collingwood made two changes, rushing back defender Nick Maxwell after a one-game suspension and young midfielder Ryan Cook for his fourth career game at the expense of onballer Brodie Holland (ankle) and forward Ben Reid (quad), who are both injured.

Forwards Anthony Rocca and Alan Didak and midfielder Dane Swan were all named despite training lightly this week, while ruckman Josh Fraser will again skipper the Magpies.

The Bombers recalled Courtney Johns to bolster their attack at the expense of Nathan Lovett-Murray, who was dropped from the side which lost to St Kilda.

Johns will play his first game this year - and just his 20th in four seasons - because Essendon coach Matthew Knights was keen to ease the pressure on spearhead Matthew Lloyd, given key forwards Scott Lucas and Scott Gumbleton remain sidelined through injury.

Geelong and Fremantle also named their sides for Friday night's game at Subiaco Oval and the reigning premiers made it clear they still believe they can improve, dropping three players despite beating Sydney by seven goals last weekend.

The Cats axed Max Rooke, who was a member of last year's premiership side, along with Brent Prismall and Trent West.

Geelong brought in three inexperienced players, defender Harry Taylor chosen for his fourth game, crumber Ryan Gamble returning from suspension for what will be his fifth game, while ruckman Shane Mumford will debut, having begun the season on the rookies list.

Fremantle again chopped their side in an attempt to kick-start their season, Des Headland and Ryan Murphy returning at the expense of Scott Thornton and Matthew Carr, who were axed following the defeat to Adelaide.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP