The surprise return of Drew Petrie caps a huge injection of height for North Melbourne in Sunday's Subiaco AFL clash with Fremantle.

The valuable 27-year-old big man will return slightly earlier than expected to play his first game of the season after recovering from a broken foot.

"It's really exciting to finally be playing after such a frustrating time on the sidelines," Petrie told the club's website.

"I was hoping to be back for round nine last week but needed that extra time to get some more conditioning and really test out the foot."

Fellow talls Hamish McIntosh and David Hale were also selected to return from injury in the Kangaroos' 25-man squad for the Subiaco trip.

Petrie, the club's top goal kicker last season, was named at full-forward, and Hale, leading the tally this season, at centre half-forward.

McIntosh makes a timely comeback to take on Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands, after youngster Todd Goldstein had been playing a lone hand in the ruck.

But the Kangaroos lost some running power, losing midfielder Daniel Wells with a groin injury.

Geelong's star fullback Matthew Scarlett is expected to be out until after the mid-season bye after injuring a hamstring at training on Wednesday.

It means the five-time All Australian will miss at least three matches.

The 30-year-old has played just five games so far this season, sidelined earlier in the year by a back injury.

But Melbourne's chances of an upset against the Cats at Skilled Stadium on Saturday were offset by their decision to rest talented youngsters Tom Scully, Jack Trengove and Jordie McKenzie.

Collingwood veteran defender Simon Prestigiacomo was recalled for his first match since round four and a likely match-up with Brisbane's Brendan Fevola at the Gabba on Saturday night.

But the Magpies lost small forward Leon Davis (calf).

The Lions will be without running defender Jed Adcock (foot), but recalled Travis Johnstone, among three changes as they seek to end a five-match losing streak.

Carlton lost four players to injury - Chris Yarran, Simon White, Chris Johnson and Dennis Armfield - for Sunday's match against West Coast at Etihad Stadium.

But Andrew Walker, Ryan Houlihan, Brock McLean and Shaun Grigg were named to return from injury in a 25-man squad.

Walker will play his first game since breaking his collarbone in round five.

Adelaide will start life without veteran midfielder Tyson Edwards, following his shock retirement, against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Richmond handed an AFL debut to big forward Ben Griffiths against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The 198cm, No.19 draft pick was one of four changes for the winless Tigers, including the return from injury of Richard Tambling, but Nathan Foley (leg) has been forced out, and young ruckman Ty Vickery dropped.

The Power lost forwards Daniel Motlop (club suspension) and Jason Davenport (AFL suspension), further depleting an attack missing injured stars Warren Tredrea and Robbie Gray.

Sydney's attempt to bounce back from three straight defeats against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday will be hampered by the loss of running defender Tadhg Kennelly and full-forward Daniel Bradshaw to injury.

But they regain ruckman Shane Mumford from suspension, while the Hawks made no omissions from the side that beat Carlton last round.

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