Ladder-leading Collingwood regained captain Nick Maxwell in a timely boost to their defensive unit - but also Richmond's motivation - for Saturday's AFL game at the MCG.

A calf injury kept Maxwell out of the past four games, but his return came just at the right time for the Magpies, as fellow backman Heath Shaw has a back complaint and will miss the game.

But the Tigers won't let Maxwell's return go unnoticed, as he criticised Richmond's focus after last year's fiery clash.

Last year Maxwell accused the Tigers of playing the man instead of the ball and said their approach was "pretty average" in Collingwood's 93-point win.

The Tigers made six changes for Saturday's game, the most notable the return of forward Mitch Morton at the expense of under-performing midfielder Richard Tambling.

Geelong are virtually full strength through the returns of forward Steve Johnson, after suspension, and defender Darren Milburn, back from a rest, to play the Brisbane Lions at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

Small forward Shannon Byrnes (soreness) was given the weekend off and midfielder Simon Hogan made way.

The Lions dropped Justin Sherman, Tom Collier and Travis Johnstone following the 75-point defeat to Hawthorn and are also without suspended defender Ash McGrath.

Forward Aaron Cornelius was one of four young players promoted, along with James Hawksley, Albert Proud and debutant Ryan Harwood.

Hawthorn will have Lance Franklin in the goal square after he overcame an ankle injury to play St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Saints regained star midfielder Nick Dal Santo and ruckman Ben McEvoy, who replaced Adam Pattison and Jarryn Geary.

The Western Bulldogs regained full-forward Barry Hall for Sunday's crucial game against Fremantle, where the winner will take fourth spot, after he missed the win over Port Adelaide through an ankle injury.

But the Dockers were hit hard by injuries, with Kepler Bradley (knee), Ryan Crowley (knee) and Alex Silvagni (ankle) all sidelined.

Carlton ruckman Robbie Warnock will play his first game since round five in the Blues' must-win clash with West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

Defender Chris Johnson returned for his first game since round nine, while Mitch Robinson and Sam Jacobs were dropped after the loss to Sydney and Kane Lucas (hamstring) went out.

Carlton (eighth) must win or risk being replaced in the eight by North Melbourne (ninth), who awarded a debut to half-back Jamie MacMillan and a return for Josh Smith for Saturday night's match against Essendon.

The Bombers dropped Nathan Lovett-Murray and Jake Melksham after their inept showing against the Eagles and ruck Tom Bellchambers is out with a foot injury.

Port Adelaide and Adelaide were illuminating in their selection ahead of Sunday's Showdown at AAMI Stadium.

The Crows added key defender Nathan Bock to a side riding a four-game winning streak, whereas Port added eight players and demoted five from their squad in search of an end to their nine-game losing run.

Veteran Chad Cornes was named on an expanded bench and will be desperate to play in a bid to prolong his career next year.

Sydney and Melbourne also named expanded squads for Sunday's game at the MCG.

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