Richmond has turned to youth in response to their opening round thrashing by Carlton, naming two first-gamers as they swung the selection axe.

Key defender Alex Rance and zippy small forward Robin Nahas, a 21-year-old who was drafted from the VFL onto the Tigers' rookie list, will make their AFL debuts against Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

And former Essendon midfielder Tom Hislop will play his first game for the club.

They were among five changes, with back-up ruckman Angus Graham and running defender Jake King also included.

Ben Cousins and Andrew Raines were forced out through injury, while Jordan McMahon, Andrew Browne and Will Thursfield were dropped.

The Cats will also have a debutant, young midfielder Simon Hogan, while exciting key forward Tom Hawkins was added to the side.

Fellow key forward Tom Longergan is out with a knee injury, although he could well have been replaced by Hawkins anyway.

Small forward Mathew Stokes (general soreness) was also forced out through injury, with both he and Lonergan expected to be available again for the next round.

Collingwood regained playmaking defender Heath Shaw from a back injury for Saturday's MCG clash with Melbourne, which will be his first senior match since round 18 last season.

Shaw missed the remainder of last season after he was suspended by the Magpies over his dishonesty about a drink-driving episode.

Former North Melbourne defender Leigh Brown will play his first game for the Magpies, with youngster Brad Dick also included.

But veteran forward Anthony Rocca, out injured since round 13 last season, is yet to prove he is fit enough to return despite performing well in a VFL practice game last weekend.

The Demons lost Colin Garland (foot) and Simon Buckley (groin) to injury, recalling Colin Sylvia and Stefan Martin.

Adelaide regained stars Scott Thompson and Graham Johncock for Friday night's AAMI Stadium clash with St Kilda, but lost key position player Scott Stevens to a hamstring injury, while the Saints regained classy midfielder Lenny Hayes.

Hawthorn made four forced changes for their match against Sydney at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Ruckman Simon Taylor is out suspended, while Michael Osborne (hamstring), Travis Tuck (shoulder) and Matthew Suckling (quad) are injured.

Robert Campbell returns from injury to replace Taylor in the ruck, with Xavier Ellis also having regained fitness, while Josh Kennedy and Jarryd Morton were recalled.

The Swans included Luke Ablett and Brett Meredith, replacing Ed Barlow and Amon Buchanan.

Carlton named an unchanged side for Saturday night's Etihad Stadium clash with Brisbane, unable to find room for Andrew Walker or Shaun Grigg despite the pair overcoming fitness problems.

The Lions regained star midfielder Simon Black from injury and illness, while recalling youngster Albert Proud, in place of Scott Harding and Tom Collier.

Essendon's injury woes continue to mount, losing young pair Michael Hurley (quad) and Sam Lonergan (hand) for Sunday's match against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium.

Irishman Michael Quinn, yet to play a senior game, was among the inclusions in the Bombers' 25-man squad.

Fremantle veteran Dean Solomon is back after an eight-game suspension earned when he fractured the cheekbone of Geelong's Cameron Ling last season.

The Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne are both yet to make any cuts from their side ahead of Sunday's meeting at the MCG, with `Dogs' key forward Robert Murphy likely to play in the VFL.

West Coast added veteran key defender Adam Hunter to their squad for Sunday's Subiaco meeting with West Coast, while the Power have lost ruckman Dean Brogan to suspension.

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