Richmond and Hawthorn have recalled key players for the AFL split round as St Kilda also beefed up their line-up.

The VFL punishment only lasted one week for star Saints midfielder Nick Dal Santo and their leading goalkicker Stephen Milne, who joined Justin Koschitzke in returning to the side for Saturday's big test against North Melbourne.

While Hawthorn, Richmond and St Kilda recalled important players, slumping sides Port Adelaide and West Coast made 12 changes between them.

The Tigers will welcome back captain Kane Johnson (knee) and key defender Will Thursfield (hamstring) from injury for Saturday's blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG.

Thursfield is Richmond's No.1 option for in-form Carlton fullback Brendan Fevola.

Luke McGuane has a hamstring injury and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls was dropped.

The Blues named Jake Edwards in place of Dennis Armfield (broken finger), while captain Chris Judd remains in the side.

Judd suffered concussion early in Sunday's loss to Essendon and was well off his best form for the rest of the game.

The Hawks recalled veteran onballer Shane Crawford and key defender Trent Croad for Friday night's MCG game against the Eagles, leaving out Travis Tuck and Tim Boyle.

Their returns follow last Saturday's loss to North Melbourne, which meant the Hawks slipped from second to third on the ladder.

"They're two pretty handy `ins' for us and they'll add some leadership as well as some stability to the side," said Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

He also described Croad as "a big brute" who would add more flexibility to their defence.

A wrist injury also sidelined Croad earlier this year and Clarkson said they would be "pretty pleased" if he could string games together over the next couple of months.

While the Hawks welcomed back a couple of big names, the Eagles dropped veterans Michael Braun and Chad Fletcher amid five changes.

David Wirrpanda (back), Sam Butler (groin) and Brett Jones (knee) are also out of the side.

The Eagles, who suffered a 135-point smashing from Geelong last weekend, brought back Steven Armstrong, Ryan Davis, Jaymie Graham, Jamie McNamara and Brent Staker.

Dal Santo and Milne will return to the senior team after their axings last week.

Koschitzke has missed the last two games with a knee injury.

The Saints will be without key midfielder Lenny Hayes, who suffered a hamstring injury in last Friday night's win over Fremantle, while they left out Ben McEvoy and Jarryn Geary.

North Melbourne recalled Sam Power for Ed Lower.

Port Adelaide dropped veterans Michael Wilson and Brendon Lade for Saturday night's Darwin game against the Western Bulldogs amid a whopping seven changes.

Out injured are Travis Boak (groin), Chad Cornes (calf), Peter Burgoyne (hamstring) and Steven Salopek (Achilles), while Matt Thomas is suspended.

The Power recalled Greg Bentley, Fabian Deluca, Nathan Lonie, Paul Stewart, Adam Thomson, Justin Westhoff and Damon White.

The in-form Bulldogs have named Stephen Tiller and Josh Hill for Tom Williams (shoulder) and Callan Ward.

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