Carlton have dumped star midfielder Nick Stevens among at least five changes for Sunday's AFL match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.

Stevens and Heath Scotland were the two biggest casualties of the Blues' second half capitulation against Essendon last Friday night.

Jordan Bannister and Steven Browne were also dropped and defender Paul Bower forced out with a knee injury from the 25-man squad, from which three more players must be omitted.

Key backman Bret Thornton, who has missed the club's past two games with a hamstring injury, was among the inclusions.

The Dockers have been hurt by the loss of skipper Matthew Pavlich with a calf strain, while they have suspended Dean Solomon after he went out drinking with Essendon's Mark McVeigh last weekend.

Collingwood named classy midfielder Scott Pendlebury to make a quick return from injury in Friday night's bumper AFL clash with Essendon at the MCG.

Another midfield star Leon Davis will also return from illness to boost the Magpies, who are on a five-game winning streak.

Pendlebury missed last weekend's big win over Fremantle with a knee injury sustained against Sydney in the previous round, which initially looked likely to sideline him for much longer.

But coach Mick Malthouse praised his recuperative powers.

"There's no question about his resolve and his ability to work back," Malthouse said.

Pendlebury was put through a fitness test on Thursday morning.

Shannon Cox and Chris Dawes were dropped.

The Bombers were hit by the loss of ball-winning midfielder Jobe Watson, who injured his ankle in the first half against Carlton.

Key defender Adam McPhee returns from a calf injury in their only change.

St Kilda left veteran key defender Max Hudghton out of their 25-man squad for Sunday's huge clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium after sustaining an ankle injury against Richmond last round.

Despite Hudghton's loss, Matt Maguire was not able to squeeze his way into the squad.

The Cats have lost small defender David Johnson with a calf injury.

Reigning premiers Hawthorn responded to last round's loss to West Coast with four changes for Saturday night's meeting with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Forward Mark Williams was forced out with a knee injury, but young trio Beau Muston, Ryan Schoenmakers and Brendan Whitecross were dropped.

Premiership defender Stephen Gilham was among the inclusions, for just his second game of the season.

The Bulldogs replaced Daniel Giansiracusa (knee) with Sam Reid.

Bottom-placed Melbourne left out No.1 draft pick Jack Watts, who has been ill, for Saturday's MCG meeting with West Coast, his first time out of the side since his Queen's Birthday debut.

Demons captain James McDonald, Matthew Bate, Mark Jamar and Paul Wheatley are all back from injury or illness.

The Eagles lost star midfielder Daniel Kerr (soreness).

Sydney named key duo Craig Bolton and Jarrad McVeigh in their squad for their must-win clash with North Melbourne at the SCG on Sunday.

Bolton has overcome a knee injury, while McVeigh has recovered from a shoulder problem, with Barry Hall forced out by suspension.

Adelaide included key forward Shaun McKernan, the younger brother of former North Melbourne dual premiership player Corey McKernan, for his AFL debut against Richmond on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

The Crows dropped young forward Taylor Walker and have lost ruckman Brad Moran to a long-term knee injury.

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