Fullback Matthew Scarlett leads a group of four Geelong veterans who have become casualties of last Sunday's AFL loss to St Kilda.

In a stunning blow to the Cats, Scarlett, run-with midfielder Cameron Ling, defender Darren Milburn and utility James Kelly will miss Saturday night's match against the Brisbane Lions at the `Gabba.

The six-day break and the trip north meant Geelong had no choice but to be conservative this week with injury management.

Sunday's six-point loss lived up to the pre-game hype and it was as bruising as it was pulsating.

Compounding Geelong's problems, star forward Steve Johnson still hasn't recovered from the hip injury that forced him out of the Saints clash.

The Cats announced on Thursday that Scarlett has back tightness, Ling is struggling with knee tendinitis, Milburn rolled his ankle and Kelly had a tight hamstring during the week at training.

They expect Scarlett and Kelly to return next week, but would only say Milburn would not be risked against Brisbane and Ling's condition "will continue to be monitored".

Ling was noticeably down on his usual workrate during the Saints game.

Cats defender Harry Taylor was concussed when Saints ruckman Michael Gardiner crashed into him, but he was named in Geelong's side.

The loss of Scarlett is a particularly big blow because Geelong come up against key Brisbane forwards Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.

As expected, Geelong also retained key forward Tom Hawkins despite his poor game on Sunday.

Geelong named key defender Tom Gillies for his senior debut and also recalled David Wojcinski, Ryan Gamble and Tom Lonergan.

News of the Geelong injuries prompted a betting surge on the Lions, with TAB Sportsbet cutting Brisbane's odds on Thursday from $1.95 to $1.80.

But Brisbane have their own problems, making five changes for the match.

They lost Jared Brennan to suspension and Rhan Hooper is ill, while veteran midfielder Travis Johnstone, Scott Harding and Lachlan Henderson were dropped.

Defender Josh Drummond leads the inclusions and midfielder Jack Redden was named for his senior debut.

Matt Austin, Tom Collier and Tim Notting were promoted.

The Western Bulldogs named Tom Williams for his first game since round nine, but Sam Reid is out with a groin injury for Friday night's clash against Collingwood.

Magpies utility Ben Johnson, out with a leg fracture since round three, returns at the expense of Nathan Brown.

Essendon named midfielder Jobe Watson for Saturday's SCG game against Sydney, but he is yet to prove his fitness.

Mark McVeigh returns from his one-week club suspension and Michael Hurley is back from injury.

Angus Monfries has a hamstring injury and Hayden Skipworth is out with a knee problem, while Nathan Lovett-Murray was dropped.

The Swans picked Luke Ablett for Ryan Brabazon.

Carlton have again left out Nick Stevens and Heath Scotland, making only one change for Saturday's game against Richmond.

Adam Hartlett will play his first senior game this year and Mark Austin is suspended.

The Tigers promoted Matthew White, Alex Rance and Jake King for Nathan Foley (calf), Andrew Collins (hip) and Jarrod Silvester.

Adelaide captain Simon Goodwin will return from a knee surgery for Saturday night's home game against Fremantle.

The Crows also recalled Brent Reilly and dropped Richard Douglas and Robert Shirley.

The Dockers have suffered two injuries this week, losing ruckman Aaron Sandilands and Des Headland to hamstring problems.

They also left out Daniel Gilmore and recalled Dean Solomon and Ryan Murphy, while Tim Ruffles will make his senior debut.

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