Carlton star ruckman Matthew Kreuzer will head a list of Blues returning from long AFL absences when he makes his much-anticipated comeback on Sunday.

Kreuzer was named in the ruck for the Etihad Stadium clash with Brisbane, having built his fitness with three VFL matches after being sidelined by a knee injury since round 13 last year.

Also back from injury are defender Paul Bower, yet to play a senior game this season, and key forward Lachie Henderson, who has played just one previous game this year, in round four.

Ruckman Robbie Warnock, who has missed two games with concussion, was named on an extended interchange bench, as was half-forward Ryan Houlihan, yet to play this season.

But Carlton have lost key forward Jarrad Waite (hamstring) and utility Setanta O'hAilpin (hand).

The Lions have lost fullback Daniel Merrett to a serious back injury, with elevated rookie Mitch Golby a chance to make his AFL debut.

Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow, who had his stunning debut season ended with a bad leg break in round 14 last year, is expected to return for Sunday's crunch game against Essendon in Perth.

Barlow's selection is yet to be finalised, after he was named on the Dockers' seven-man bench, but coach Mark Harvey indicated earlier in the week the midfielder was likely to be used as a substitute.

The Bombers have two key inclusions of their own, with captain Jobe Watson and key position player Michael Hurley to return from injury.

Hawthorn have regained star forward Lance Franklin from a calf injury for Saturday night's bumper MCG clash with Geelong.

Veterans Paul Chapman and Darren Milburn are back for the Cats.

The slumping Western Bulldogs have made six changes for Friday night's crucial meeting with St Kilda, including losing out-of-form defender Brian Lake and fellow backman Ryan Hargrave to injury.

Midfielder Adam Cooney and ruckman Ben Hudson both return, while former Sydney player Ed Barlow will make his Bulldogs debut and elevated rookie Luke Dahlhaus his AFL debut.

The Saints have lost midfielder Leigh Montagna to a knee injury.

West Coast have regained Daniel Kerr and Sam Butler for Saturday's AAMI Stadium clash with Adelaide.

North Melbourne regained defender Michael Firrito from suspension, while midfielder Ryan Bastinac is back from a knee injury for his first AFL game this season, against Gold Coast on Saturday night.

Sydney have named gun midfielder Kieren Jack in their squad to play Richmond at the SCG on Sunday, but are yet to make a final call on whether he will return.

Collingwood included three players in line for potential AFL debuts - Luke Rounds, Alex Fasolo and Tom Young - on their seven-man bench for Monday's Queen's Birthday meeting with Melbourne at the MCG.

The Magpies will be without midfielders Dane Swan (soreness), Dale Thomas (suspended) and Dayne Beams (foot).

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