Brisbane captain Jonathon Brown will return from injury as the Lions attempt to reignite their fading AFL season against Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday.

Brown has missed the past four matches, after struggling with an abdominal strain, as the Lions sunk from a 4-0 start to the season with 10 losses in the past 11 rounds.

Brisbane were further strengthened by the return of key defender Matt Maguire, but lost veteran midfielder Simon Black (ankle).

The Hawks named star forward Lance Franklin, despite concerns over an ankle injury sustained at training on Tuesday, and regained captain Sam Mitchell after a week out for hand surgery.

Hawthorn surprised by dropping experienced midfielder Brad Sewell from the side that lost narrowly to Geelong last round.

Collingwood, who will be missing key forward Travis Cloke through suspension for their big MCG clash with St Kilda on Saturday, regained small forward Leon Davis.

But captain Nick Maxwell failed in his bid to return from a calf injury.

The Saints regained midfield star Brendon Goddard from a fever and key forward Justin Koschitzke from an ankle injury.

Geelong welcomed back key forward Cameron Mooney from suspension and midfielder Joel Corey from knee soreness for Friday night's AAMI Stadium meeting with Adelaide.

The Crows regained veteran Andrew McLeod from knee surgery.

Richmond's Ben Cousins will play against North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, after a week off due to the health setback he endured after taking too much sleeping pill medication.

But the Tigers lost youngsters Ben Griffiths (shoulder) and Ben Nason (soreness) and midfielder Daniel Jackson (suspension).

The Kangaroos lost key forward Drew Petrie (foot), but added key defender Nathan Grima to their 25-man squad.

Carlton axed Bret Thornton and Setanta O'hAilpin from the side that lost badly to the Western Bulldogs last weekend, as well as losing Ryan Houlihan (knee), but regained forward Jarrad Waite from suspension.

Sydney, who will play the Blues at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, made no cuts.

Essendon regained key position players Dustin Fletcher and Scott Gumbleton for Saturday night's Etihad Stadium meeting with West Coast, who regained Shannon Hurn.

Fremantle star defender Chris Tarrant could return from injury, named on an expanded bench for Sunday's Subiaco meeting with Melbourne.

Demons captain James McDonald remains sidelined by a hamstring injury.

The Western Bulldogs added Nathan Eagleton and Andrejs Everitt to replace injured forwards Barry Hall (ankle) and Brennan Stack (hamstring) for Saturday night's Darwin clash with Port Adelaide.

The Power included Jason Davenport, Jay Nash and Jay Schulz for caretaker coach Matthew Primus' first match in charge.

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