Essendon will take on Carlton's vaunted midfield without key on-ballers Jobe Watson and Heath Hocking in Saturday night's AFL blockbuster at the MCG.

It hampers the Bombers' chances of capitalising on a Blues' side hurt by recent losses and their own injury struggles.

Despite coach James Hird suggesting last weekend captain Watson was likely to return from a hamstring injury, neither he nor tall defender Cale Hooker satisfied the Bombers' hierarchy they could be risked.

Strong-bodied midfielder Heath Hocking, who would probably have been earmarked for a job on one of Blues' stars Chris Judd or Marc Murphy, has been sidelined by soreness.

But while Essendon's midfield is depleted, Carlton's defence, already missing fullback Michael Jamison and Jordan Russell, has been further hurt by the loss of backmen Paul Bower (calf) and Aaron Joseph (hamstring).

The Western Bulldogs were hit by the loss of classy rebounding defender Robert Murphy to a groin injury for Saturday's crucial clash with Sydney at the SCG.

The Dogs also made two unforced changes, dropping Josh Hill and Sam Reid after last round's loss to North Melbourne.

The Swans regained veteran midfielder Jude Bolton and dropped tall forward Jesse White.

Hawthorn have had an enormous selection boost, with Cyril Rioli and Brad Sewell back from injury and Jordan Lewis from suspension, in their squad to play Melbourne on Sunday at the MCG.

But sweet-kicking Matt Suckling (back) is out.

The Demons have dropped Cale Morton, with Lynden Dunn, Matthew Bate and Clint Bartram named on an extended interchange bench.

Collingwood will be without ruckman Darren Jolly (illness), midfielder Sharrod Wellingham (groin) and defender Alan Toovey (hand) for Saturday night's meeting with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns have regained Nathan Krakouer from a groin injury.

Fremantle decided not to risk rushing star ruckman Aaron Sandilands back from a toe injury for Sunday's high-stakes encounter with West Coast.

They have lost defender Roger Hayden long-term with a leg fracture, while Koby Stevens is the only omission from the Eagles' squad so far.

Geelong regained defensive linchpin Matthew Scarlett and running backman David Wojcinski from injury for their squad to play Richmond on Sunday.

But captain Cameron Ling will miss the match with soreness, while ruckman Brad Ottens was not included, despite having served a one-match suspension.

That makes for a less daunting task for Richmond's Angus Graham, who replaces fellow ruckman Andrew Browne, while the Tigers also lost youngster Brad Helbig (leg).

North Melbourne, without youngster Ben Speight (shoulder) for the rest of the season, have recalled Robbie Tarrant and Cameron Richardson for Saturday's meeting with Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions replaced injured skipper Jonathan Brown (facial fractures) with Aaron Cornelius and added midfielder Amon Buchanan.

St Kilda's Jarryn Geary replaced defender James Gwilt, whose long absence with a serious knee injury begins on Friday night against Adelaide.

The Crows also made one forced change, replacing Matthew Jaensch (shoulder) with Jack Gunston, while Graham Johncock will play his 200th game, despite being subbed off last round with a hip injury.

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