Collingwood have loaded up on scoring options in a bid to end their forward line doldrums in Sunday's crunch AFL game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The Magpies named crumbers Leon Davis and Paul Medhurst to play in the clash between third and fifth and will on Friday decide whether big men Josh Fraser and Leigh Brown, along with utility Tarkyn Lockyer, join them.

Davis and Medhurst were named after overcoming respective calf and foot injuries, while Brown, Fraser and Lockyer were named on the bench in an expanded squad after stints in the VFL.

Collingwood struggled for a presence in attack last week when overrun by the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, and the previous week managed just six goals in the heavy loss to Geelong.

The inclusion of Davis and Medhurst means the Magpies will hope to get a speedier forward set-up, as full-forward John Anthony was dropped for the third time this season after having little impact against the Lions.

Veteran midfielder Shane O'Bree was also axed, for the second time this campaign.

The Bulldogs named a side minus veteran Jason Akermanis, whose discipline this week means he will serve time in the VFL once he recovers from his hamstring injury.

The Bulldogs will also be without tall defender Ryan Hargrave, who has an ankle injury.

St Kilda dropped fullback Zac Dawson for Friday night's game against Richmond at Etihad Stadium and recalled Jarryn Geary.

Richmond will bid farewell to big man Troy Simmonds, who was recalled with fullback Will Thursfield, but key-position player Graham Polak was dropped and defender Kelvin Moore is out with a leg injury.

Geelong will rest forward Tom Hawkins (soreness), so named Dawson Simpson as back-up ruckman to play West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Eagles dropped experienced duo Quinten Lynch and Mark Nicoski, along with Patrick McGinnity, following the loss to Carlton.

They recalled Mitchell Brown, Bradd Dalziell and Lewis Stevenson.

Carlton are stronger for Saturday's game against Melbourne at the MCG through the returns of the versatile Jarrad Waite, back after suspension, and Ryan Houlihan, who has overcome a hamstring injury.

But the Blues denied midfielder Brock McLean a clash against his old side when they dropped the former Demon, along with Lachie Henderson.

Melbourne recalled young guns Tom Scully and Jack Trengove after both were rested last weekend, and forward Matthew Bate has overcome an ankle injury.

The Demons axed Matthew Warnock, Joel Macdonald and Austin Wonaeamirri after being thrashed by Geelong.

Fremantle will be without midfielder Paul Hasleby (back) for Saturday's clash with Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, but have a handy replacement in Michael Barlow, who is fit after a hamstring problem.

Adelaide will farewell veteran Tyson Edwards, who was recalled alongside defender Graham Johncock, who is fit again and has served a club-imposed suspension.

The Brisbane Lions regained utility Jared Brennan for Saturday night's game against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Provided Brennan plays, it will be after missing just three games after what coach Michael Voss first thought was a serious ankle injury.

North made three changes after being beaten by Fremantle, but forward Drew Petrie (foot) was the only forced omission, as Leigh Harding and Nathan O'Keefe were dropped.

Midfielder Daniel Wells returned along with Ed Lower and Cruize Garlett.

Hawthorn and Port Adelaide named expanded squads for Sunday's game at the MCG, and each with a significant inclusion.

Hawks midfielder Chance Bateman is back after serving a three-game suspension, while forward Daniel Motlop is in Port's squad after serving a club-imposed suspension for breaking a curfew.

Sydney and Essendon also named squads for Sunday's game at the SCG, but the Bombers could not call on suspended fullback Dustin Fletcher.

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