Sydney has named midfielder Nick Malceski in their squad to play Essendon in Sunday's round eight AFL game at the SCG, less than three months after he suffered a serious knee injury.

Malceski was expected to miss the entire season after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in a pre-season game against Hawthorn.

But after a rapid recovery, he was on Thursday night named in a 25-man squad to play the Bombers, one of four inclusions into the side.

The Swans will decide on Friday whether he plays, after training.

Reigning premiers Geelong were boosted by the return of star midfielder Gary Ablett for Saturday's game against Richmond at the MCG, in place of the suspended Mathew Stokes.

A calf injury kept Ablett out of last weekend's Hall of Fame game.

The Tigers recalled the experienced Joel Bowden after a spell in the VFL, along with Graham Polak, and dropped Daniel Jackson and Jay Schulz.

Collingwood will be without No.1 ruckman Josh Fraser against St Kilda on Friday night at Telstra Dome because of the knee injury he suffered playing for Victoria.

Chris Bryan will come in for his first game of the season, while key forward Anthony Rocca returns after missing two games through an ankle injury.

The Brisbane Lions made five changes for Saturday night's game against Carlton, but regained skipper Jonathan Brown, while Fremantle dumped three players, along with the suspended Mark Johnson, for Sunday's game against the Western Bulldogs.

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