St Kilda dropped Jason Gram, Andrew McQualter and Ben McEvoy, as coach Ross Lyon followed through on his threat to swing the axe at selection on Thursday.

Lyon conceded he needed to get stronger on selection issues after St Kilda's five-goal loss to Hawthorn.

"If the players don't deliver what's required, other players will get that opportunity," Lyon had warned on Tuesday.

Gram, McQualter and McEvoy all played in last year's AFL grand final replay.

The 15th-placed Saints have lost Steven Baker on a striking ban, but Leigh Montagna returns from suspension.

Nicholas Winmar, a 20-year-old second cousin to St Kilda great Nicky Winmar, will make his debut.

Jason Blake and Brett Peake also return for the Saints who host Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Melbourne recalled Jared Rivers from injury and named Michael Evans for his debut.

The Demons could not consider Rohan Bail, Austin Wonaeamirri and Colin Garland because of injuries while Lynden Dunn is suspended and Jamie Bennell was dropped.

Richmond dropped Angus Graham and Ben Nason for Saturday night's Dreamtime clash at the MCG against Essendon.

The Tigers lost Shane Edwards because of a cheekbone fracture but regained Shane Tuck from injury.

Essendon recalled Alwyn Davey, Brent Stanton and Henry Slattery for injured skipper Jobe Watson, suspended tagger Heath Hocking and Travis Colyer.

Brisbane regain Jonathan Brown for his first match since the skipper suffered horrific facial fractures in round one.

Coach Michael Voss also included 18-year-old debutant Josh Green and Matt Austin to play North Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The in-form Ash McGrath has been left out because of hamstring soreness, while Josh Drummond has had knee surgery and Ryan Harwood is omitted.

North handed key defender Luke Delaney his debut. The Kangaroos recalled Ben Cunnington and left out injured duo Nathan Grima and Sam Wright.

Fremantle regained goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne from injury while Rhys Palmer was included along with Dylan Roberton and 25-year-old debutant Tendai Mzungu.

Ex-Magpie Jack Anthony, Jay van Berlo and Jayden Pitt were dropped and Adam McPhee has a knee injury.

Port Adelaide, who host Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, recalled Jasper Pittard for Daniel Stewart.

Geelong skipper Cameron Ling will miss Friday's blockbuster against Carlton at Etihad Stadium with a shoulder injury.

Injured duo Tom Lonergan and Daniel Menzel are also out for the unbeaten Cats.

Taylor Hunt and Darren Milburn return and 19-year-old Nathan Vardy will be on debut.

Carlton recalled Brock McLean and Jeremy Laidler for Aaron Joseph and injured utility Ed Curnow.

Sydney named miracle man Nick Malceski for Sunday's SCG clash with Hawthorn.

The halfback had major knee surgery just 11 weeks ago.

Hawthorn regain rover Cyril Rioli from a hamstring injury and ruckman Max Bailey was also named in the squad in what would be his first game since 2009 following a third knee reconstruction.

Collingwood left out Alan Toovey because of a chest injury and kept premiership ruckman Darren Jolly (knee) on the sidelines.

The second-placed Magpies regained skipper Nick Maxwell from a calf injury for Sunday's game at Etihad Stadium against Adelaide.

Adelaide recalled forward Taylor Walker.

Western Bulldogs regained Barry Hall from an ankle injury for Sunday's clash with West Coast at Patersons Stadium.

Shaun Higgins also returns alongside Tom Williams, Easton Wood and teenager Mitch Wallis.

Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney was rested with a knee injury.

The Eagles regained premiership heroes Daniel Kerr and Andrew Embley from injury.

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