Collingwood have dropped John Anthony and Geelong have recalled James Podsiadly for the Friday night AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

The Cats also brought back midfielder James Kelly for the first versus second clash, which will draw a capacity crowd and will be telecast live into Melbourne.

Sharrod Wellingham will replace Anthony and small forward Paul Medhurst is out for a second week with a foot injury.

The Cats left out youngsters Mitch Duncan and Simon Hogan for Podsiadly and Kelly.

Podsiadly has been one of the stories of this season so far, finally making his debut as a mature-age rookie and starring for the Cats as a key forward.

The Cats cult figure, nicknamed `jPod', was rested last week because of soreness.

The Western Bulldogs have ruled out star Shaun Higgins for Saturday's match against North Melbourne because of soreness.

Robert Murphy is recovering from knee injury and the Bulldogs have recalled Ryan Griffen and Liam Picken.

Michael Johnson's club suspension for allegedly possessing cocaine means he is one of four changes for Fremantle.

The Dockers have also lost Luke McPharlin (knee) and Greg Broughton (foot) and dropped Matt de Boer for Saturday's match against Sydney at the SCG.

Antoni Grover, Nick Suban, Kepler Bradley and Jay Van Berlo come into their side.

Key forward Daniel Bradshaw will return for the Swans, who have also promoted Gippsland teenager Campbell Heath for his AFL debut.

Saturday night's Dreamtime At the `G clash will feature Richmond veteran Ben Cousins, who returns from back soreness.

The Bombers regain Tayte Pears from a broken arm.

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