Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge will finally lead the Hawks into battle after being included for Sunday's AFL clash with Melbourne at the MCG.

The Demons have also received a big boost, with key defender James Frawley to make his return.

Hodge, who took over the captaincy from Sam Mitchell this season, did not play for the Hawks in the pre-season or round one as he regained fitness after an achilles injury.

Frawley will return from a shoulder injury for a possible clash with Hawthorn star forward Lance Franklin.

The Western Bulldogs have added young ruckman Jordan Roughead to support veteran Ben Hudson in Sunday's Etihad Stadium meeting with Brisbane.

The Dogs lost running defender Easton Wood to an ankle injury.

The Lions regained midfielder Luke Power and key defender Matt Maguire, after serious injuries robbed them of captain Jonathan Brown (face) and utility Brent Staker (knee).

Essendon added ruckman Tom Bellchambers for their ANZ Stadium match against Sydney, in place of injured forward Angus Monfries.

The Swans dropped Mark Seaby, who played as a substitute in the opening round, and Byron Sumner, who made his AFL debut, in favour of Brett Meredith and Craig Bird.

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