The Western Bulldogs named a host of big names, including former Brownlow Medallist Jason Akermanis, for their first match of the AFL pre-season on Friday night.

Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Scott Welsh and Andrejs Everitt, all on the comeback from injury or illness, were also included in a 30-man squad for the practice match against St Kilda at Princes Park.

Young gun midfielder Ryan Griffen was also named, after missing the Dogs' opening round NAB Cup match for personal reasons.

But Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney (knee) and promising tall defender Tom Williams (shoulder) were left out.

The Saints also named a large group of returning stars in their squad, including tagger Steven Baker, who played just two games last season before sustaining a serious knee injury.

Justin Koschitzke, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna, Jason Gram and Xavier Clarke were also included.

Essendon named speedster Alwyn Davey in their squad to play Brisbane in Friday night's NAB Cup second round match at Telstra Dome.

Davey has not played since injuring his knee after five games of last season.

Two more key Bombers, Scott Lucas and Jason Winderlich, were also named, with Winderlich to return after a series of back injuries which had him contemplating retirement.

The Lions named a youth-dominated squad, missing big names including Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Jamie Charman and Travis Johnstone.

Richmond recalled former skipper Kane Johnson and Jordan McMahon for their round-two AFL pre-season game against Collingwood on Thursday night.

The Tigers will have a near-full strength squad for the Telstra Dome clash, with Will Thursfield also coming into the line-up.

It is a highly-anticipated match, with Ben Cousins to play his first game for the Tigers against another club.

Richmond's top draft pick Tyrone Vickery is also in the squad.

Collingwood added first-year players Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom.

West Coast added key forward Ashley Hansen, along with Adam Selwood, Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy, Tyson Stenglein and Sam Butler to their squad to play Adelaide in a practice match in Alice Springs on Friday night.

And young key position player Mitch Brown will make his return to competitive football after missing last season with a serious knee injury.

The Crows made just one change to the squad they named ahead of their NAB Cup loss to Geelong, Tony Armstrong replacing fellow youngster Aaron Kite.

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