A final training session was enough to convince St Kilda that superstar forward Nick Riewoldt is ready to resume in the AFL against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night.

Riewoldt will play his first game since he damaged a hamstring tendon in round three and his inclusion is a major boost for the second-placed Saints, who are riding a six-game winning streak.

Riewoldt is understood to have been ready to play for a fortnight but a training session on Thursday finally convinced coach Ross Lyon to unleash his skipper at the Gabba.

"Today was just about ticking the box," St Kilda football manager Greg Hutchison said on Thursday night.

"He got through it OK, so we've certainly got the intention of him running out on Saturday night.

"Most of the players knew he would likely be returning, but I'm sure it gives them a bit of a lift knowing he'll be running out there with them."

St Kilda also regained another big forward in Justin Koschitzke, who has overcome an ankle injury, while the Lions got some presence of their own in attack with Brendan Fevola passed fit after a groin problem.

Round 15 looms as a comeback round for several players, as reigning premiers Geelong welcome the return of ruckman Brad Ottens, fit again after a foot problem to play Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday, his first game since round six.

The Cats also included skipper Cameron Ling and key defender Harry Taylor, who have overcome minor complaints.

Hawthorn bolstered their defence through the returns of Campbell Brown, who missed the past three games through a knee injury, and Josh Gibson, who also hurt his hamstring tendon three months ago.

Melbourne hope livewire forward Liam Jurrah can play his first game of the season, against Essendon at the MCG on Sunday, after hurting a shoulder in the pre-season.

The Demons also named utility Colin Sylvia, who missed the past three games with a toe injury.

North Melbourne are also hopeful of a key return in attack, vice-captain Drew Petrie named for Sunday's crunch match against Sydney at the SCG.

As expected, Richmond decided not to play Ben Cousins against Fremantle on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium after he suffered a health scare sparked by sleeping tablets.

The Western Bulldogs were hit by injuries ahead of Sunday's vital clash against Carlton at Etihad Stadium, as forward Mitch Hahn (hamstring), ruckman Will Minson (ankle) and midfielder Sam Reid (shoulder) will miss the fifth-versus-sixth clash.

Reid has undergone surgery and will not play again this season, while a long-term shoulder injury to Ayce Cordy meant the Bulldogs promoted Andrew Hooper off the rookie list.

Hooper is likely to make his debut against the Blues, who are unchanged.

Collingwood forward Leon Davis suffered another blow in his frustrating season, as a neck complaint will keep him out of Friday night's game against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

He was replaced by Steele Sidebottom.

Port regained midfielder Travis Boak after a groin injury at the expense of utility Chad Cornes (suspended).

West Coast made five changes for Saturday's game against unchanged Adelaide at Subiaco Oval, Bradd Dalziell (finger), Tom Swift (abdominal soreness) and Patrick McGinnity (adductor) all forced out.

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