The Western Bulldogs recalled Ryan Hargrave for his first AFL game this year and could debut Luke Mulligan as they try to bolster their defence.

Richmond's All-Australian full forward Jack Riewoldt looms as a nightmare for the Bulldogs' depleted backline on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

All-Australian full back Brian Lake is still regaining fitness in the VFL and now Tom Williams is sidelined with an ankle injury.

A persistent foot injury delayed Hargrave's start to the season.

"It may be a week early, we're not too sure," coach Rodney Eade said on the club website about Hargrave's return.

"But his fitness is really good, he's pulled up well after last week's (VFL) game.

"So he'll add a bit of experience and hopefully a bit of run out of defence."

Mulligan, a former rookie-listed Bulldogs player, was originally recruited as a back-up ruckman.

But Eade said the 21-year-old had shown strong form at centre half-back for Williamstown in the VFL.

Hargave and Mulligan were among five additions to the Bulldogs, who are struggling at 2-4.

Tom Liberatore will definitely return from a week out due to soreness, while Dylan Addison and Nathan Djerrkura are also in the 25.

Apart from losing Williams, the `Dogs also dropped first-gamer Zeph Skinner.

Forwards Barry Hall and Shaun Higgins are at least another week away from returning.

The in-form Tigers added Mitch Farmer, Jeromey Webberley and Brad Helbig to their squad.

Adelaide reacted to last Sunday's 96-point disaster against Melbourne by dropping three players for the Saturday home match against Gold Coast.

They axed Jared Petrenko, Taylor Walker and Brad Symes for Richard Tambling, James Sellar and Jack Gunston.

The Suns regained Campbell Brown from suspension and promoted Tom Nicholls for his AFL debut among four changes.

They also recalled Steven May and Seb Tape, while Daniel Harris (hip) and Daniel Gorringe (hamstring) are injured.

Gold Coast omitted Josh Toy and Jack Hutchins.

North Melbourne regained Lachie Hansen from the nasty back injury he suffered two weekends ago for Saturday's must-win Etihad Stadium clash with Melbourne.

They also brought in Aaron Edwards as Liam Anthony and Cam Pedersen were dropped.

Jack Trengove's unsuccessful appeal against his suspension will bring the Melbourne changes to four.

They already have lost Mark Jamar (knee) and Jack Grimes (foot), while Matthew Bate was dropped.

Michael Newton, Stefan Martin and Jamie Bennell are the confirmed inclusions and Melbourne have until noon on Friday to confirm Trengove's replacement.

Midfielder Luke Parker will be the fourth Sydney player to make his AFL debut this season when the Swans host Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

They also regained Lewis Roberts-Thomson for his first senior game since round 16 last season, with Jarred Moore and Mike Pyke the omissions.

Port Adelaide brought in Steven Salopek, Matt Thomas and Ben Jacobs for David Rodan (knee), Paul Stewart and Cameron Hitchcock.

Essendon lost much-maligned onballer Brent Stanton with a shoulder injury for Saturday night's `Gabba match against winless Brisbane.

David Myers will return from a wrist injury.

The Lions lost Andrew Raines with concussion and left out Tom Collier and Claye Beams as they brought in Sam Sheldon, Ryan Harwood and Rohan Bewick.

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