Geelong are blaming a six-day turnaround for the absence of Steven Johnson and Tom Harley for the big AFL clash against the Western Bulldogs.

The Cats have made five changes for the Friday night match at Etihad Stadium, while the Bulldogs have regained Shaun Higgins and Daniel Giansiracusa a fortnight out from the finals.

With one eye on next month, Geelong left out Johnson and Harley for what they described as general soreness.

Johnson (hip) and Harley (knee) have returned from injuries in the last few weeks and Cats football manager Neil Balme said the club wanted to ensure they were fit for the finals.

"It's more the six-day break and yes, it's directly related to their previous injuries," he said.

"We're obviously keen to get them in a good position for what's ahead."

Travis Varcoe is also out of action with a shoulder injury, while Tom Lonergan and Simon Hogan were dropped.

Dynamic Cats small forward Paul Chapman, veteran defender Darren Milburn and tough utility Max Rooke return from injury and they recalled Ryan Gamble.

Giansiracusa has not played since round 13 because of a knee injury and Higgins is back from a hamstring problem.

Earlier this week, coach Rodney Eade had said Giansiracusa might return through the VFL.

Essendon have named veteran full-back Dustin Fletcher for Sunday's must-win game against Fremantle at Subiaco.

Fletcher did not play in the second half last Sunday as the Bombers upset St Kilda, thanks to a hamstring injury.

But coach Matthew Knights will give him until Friday morning to prove his fitness.

"Dustin Fletcher did a portion of training today and, at this stage, he pulled up very well," Knights said on the club website.

"We will see how he is feeling in the morning though before making any decisions on whether or not he will play.

"His scans were clear with no damage so we are going to give him every opportunity to come up this week."

Captain Matthew Lloyd remains sidelined with a heel injury, but the club included back-up ruckman Cale Hooker and speedy midfielder Jason Winderlich in their squad.

As expected, Essendon lost Patrick Ryder (knee) and Courtenay Dempsey (hamstring) and also added Darcy Daniher, Leroy Jetta and Heath Hocking to their squad.

The Bombers can shore up eighth spot if they beat Fremantle and Port Adelaide lose to Brisbane.

St Kilda made two big-name omissions in the wake of Sunday's shock loss to Essendon, leaving out midfielder Luke Ball and key defender Max Hudghton for Sunday's Etihad Stadium match against North Melbourne.

Ball was dropped for three weeks and had returned to the senior side in the last fortnight.

He looked out of sorts against Essendon and the midfielder is running out of time to regain form ahead of the finals.

Hudghton has only managed seven senior games this year after suffering a calf muscle injury in the pre-season.

The Power made four changes for Saturday night's Gabba game, regaining brilliant forward Daniel Motlop along with Toby Thurstans, Nick Salter and Toby Thurstans.

Peter Burgoyne is out with a virus, Josh Carr has an ankle injury and Port dropped Justin Westhoff and Steven Salopek.

The Lions promoted Matt Austin for Tim Notting.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP