Geelong's wobbling tall timber has been unceremoniously felled at the AFL selection table.

The unbeaten Cats have lost patience with out-of-form forwards Cameron Mooney and Tom Hawkins for their clash with the Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

Midfielder Paul Chapman is also out with a groin injury as one of three changes for the Cats, who are shooting for a 10th successive victory to start their season.

Mooney, who has been battling a knee complaint, and Hawkins, have been misfiring in recent weeks despite the Cats conquering all before them.

The Cats replace them with three key players returning from brief injury layoffs - ruckman Brad Ottens and defenders Corey Enright and Harry Taylor.

The Bulldogs lose Barry Hall with another ankle injury, and have wielded the axe on underperforming veteran Lindsay Gilbee.

Ryan Hargrave, Nathan Djerrkura and Jarrad Grant return, while emerging tall defender James Mulligan is slated for his debut.

The Bulldogs have also kept faith with struggling backman Brian Lake, with regular defender Tom Williams likely to shuttle forward.

Collingwood regain ruck-forward Leigh Brown from a calf injury for their grand final rematch with St Kilda on Saturday night at the MCG.

He replaces axed small forward Jarryd Blair.

Essendon have resisted the temptation to rush back skipper Jobe Watson (hamstring) and forward Michael Hurley (foot) for Friday night's MCG clash with Melbourne, and will give them one more week's rest.

"If it was a Sunday game they'd definitely play, it's a Friday game, they're a bit touch and go," Bombers coach James Hird said.

The Demons bring in midfielder Tom Scully for his first senior match this season following a pre-season knee injury, and Jack Trengove from suspension among five changes.

Giant Melbourne ruckman Max Gawn has also been named for his AFL debut.

Trengove said Watson's non-appearance would not affect how the Demons went about dealing with the AFL's surprise packets.

"They've showed this year ... they've got a lot of depth in their midfield," Trengove said.

"No matter what team they throw up they're going to have a good team on the park, so we'll just have to deal with that."

Adelaide have recalled midfielder Bernie Vince as one of four changes to play North Melbourne on Sunday at Etihad Stadium.

Carlton have named midfielder Ed Curnow in their extended squad of 25 for Sunday's away clash with Port Adelaide.

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