Essendon's midfield has been hit hard by the loss of Andrew Lovett and Andrew Welsh for Saturday night's crucial AFL clash with Brisbane at the MCG.

Veteran key forward Scott Lucas will also miss the match, with all three hurt during last Sunday's disappointing loss to West Coast at Subiaco.

The Bombers have also dropped Hayden Skipworth and Cale Hooker for a game they desperately need to win, after surprise losses to Richmond and the Eagles have left them a game adrift of the eight.

Experienced defensive midfielder Welsh returned in round 12 after breaking his leg in the pre-season, but received a knock to the leg against the Eagles last weekend, forcing him out.

Speedster Lovett copped what the club described as a "heavy cork" to his leg during the same match, while Lucas is experiencing knee soreness.

But countering those losses, midfield gun Mark McVeigh and pacy forward Alwyn Davey are both back from injury.

Irishman Michael Quinn has been recalled, along with youngsters Bachar Houli and Jarrod Atkinson, the latter for the first time since round 18 last year.

The Lions have been boosted by the return of full-forward Daniel Bradshaw from a hamstring strain, while Tim Notting is back from suspension.

Collingwood have made two unforced changes for Saturday night's top four-shaping meeting with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, dropping Jaxson Barham and Steele Sidebottom in favour of fellow youngsters Chris Dawes and Brad Dick.

The Crows have lost Patrick Dangerfield and dropped Brad Symes, with David Mackay and Taylor Walker coming into the side.

Geelong remain without key defenders Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor for Friday night's MCG clash with Carlton and have lost Paul Chapman (hamstring), with Tom Lonergan coming in to add defensive depth.

The Blues have named an unchanged side.

Richmond have included Graham Polak on an extended bench in their squad for Sunday's MCG meeting with Sydney.

While there is no guarantee he will make the final 22, it is the closest he has come to senior selection since being hit by a tram in June last year.

But young midfielder Trent Cotchin will miss the rest of the season to have hip surgery.

The Swans have lost Craig Bird to a shoulder injury.

Melbourne added more names to their long list of sidelined players, with Jack Grimes, Matthew Whelan and Jamie Bennell all forced out by injury for Sunday's low-stakes meeting with North Melbourne.

But midfielders Brent Moloney, Colin Sylvia and Cale Morton are all back in their squad, along with potential first-gamers Rohan Bail and Tom McNamara.

The Kangaroos have been depleted by the retirement of Adam Simpson and a hamstring injury to Leigh Harding.

The Western Bulldogs have named an unchanged side for Saturday's Etihad Stadium meeting with West Coast, who have lost Eric Mackenzie to injury.

Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne is suspended for Sunday's Subiaco encounter with Port Adelaide, who are yet to make any omissions, but have included Brett Ebert and Peter Burgoyne on an extended bench.

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