A bad cramp has put a scare through Adam Simpson's plans for his last AFL game.

Simpson suffered the cramp in a calf muscle during North Melbourne's Thursday training session.

It is highly unlikely Simpson would be a late withdrawal, given the tenacity that has been a feature of his 305-game career and the fact that Friday night's clash against Carlton will be his retirement match.

But the former Kangaroos skipper will not know for sure until Friday morning whether he can play at Etihad Stadium.

As the Blues try to stay in the top eight, they have made six changes in the wake of last weekend's big loss to Collingwood.

Andrew Walker will return from shoulder surgery for his first senior game this year and midfielder Nick Stevens has finally returned to the senior side.

Stevens was dropped after the disastrous round-13 loss to Essendon.

The Blues also recalled Setanta O'Hailpin, Dennis Armfield, Mitch Robinson and Michael Jamison.

Chris Johnson has a hamstring injury and the Blues dropped Brad Fisher, Greg Bentley, Shaun Grigg, Adam Hartlett and Chris Yarran.

The Kangaroos dropped David Hale and Ben Ross for Nathan Grima and Daniel Pratt.

Geelong ruck-forward Brad Ottens and Richmond favourite Matthew Richardson will return through the VFL on the weekend after recovering from long-term injuries.

Ottens will play less than a half on Saturday in the curtain-raiser at Skilled Stadium, the same day that Richardson plays for Richmond's affiliates Coburg.

The senior Cats side has regained star forward Steve Johnson and captain Tom Harley for the game against Adelaide.

Key defenders Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor are out with groin injuries.

Star Crows veteran Tyson Edwards is back, while Brodie Martin has a knee injury.

Essendon's injury woes continue as they try to turn around their form slump.

They have lost three of their last four games and hold eighth spot on percentage ahead of Sunday's Subiaco game against West Coast.

Captain Matthew Lloyd was already out of the side with a heel injury and Mark McVeigh (corked thigh), Jason Winderlich (back) and Aaron Davey (knee) are now sidelined as well.

St Kilda defender Sam Gilbert has back soreness and will miss Saturday's SCG game against the Swans, but Justin Koschitzke returns from suspension and a hand injury.

Sydney recalled Jared Crouch for Kristin Thornton.

The Western Bulldogs regained Lindsay Gilbee and promoted Andrejs Everitt and Brennan Stack for Saturday's Etihad Stadium game against Fremantle.

Shaun Higgins, Robert Murphy and Scott Welsh are injured.

The Dockers recalled Des Headland, Chris Mayne and Michael Watters for injured trio Brett Peake, Tim Ruffles and Zac Clarke.

Brisbane have recalled key forward Daniel Bradshaw for Saturday night's MCG game against Collingwood among four changes.

Tom Rockliff is set for his senior debut and James Hawksley and Troy Selwood return.

Tom Collier (knee), Pearce Hanley (hamstring), Tim Notting (suspension) and Albert Proud (foot) are the omissions, while Collingwood are unchanged.

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