Carlton defensive linchpin Michael Jamison will make a timely return to combat an in-form Hawthorn attack in Friday night's blockbuster AFL clash.

Jamison has been out since round 14 with a knee injury, but the Blues decided to rush their fullback in for the top-four Etihad Stadium encounter, rather than ease him back through the VFL.

It was the only change for either side.

The key defender could face the enormous job on Hawks star Lance Franklin, who booted a season-high eight goals in last round's annihilation of Port Adelaide.

But key forward Jarrad Waite, out with a hip injury since round 16, was not ready, meaning with the Blues having the bye next weekend, his only chance for a pre-finals AFL tune-up will come against St Kilda in round 24.

Essendon's chances of upsetting West Coast in Saturday's big clash in Perth shrunk with the loss of key defenders Tayte Pears and Michael Hurley, both out with soreness.

That will help West Coast's talented big men in attack and the Eagles' defence was strengthened by the return of experienced pair Darren Glass and Beau Waters.

Ninth-placed Fremantle welcomed back reigning best and fairest David Mundy from a leg injury for his first match in 10 weeks, against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Utility Adam McPhee returns from suspension, further strengthening a Dockers outfit bolstered by ruckman Aaron Sandilands' comeback last weekend.

Kangaroos elevated rookie Aaron Mullett will make his AFL debut in the must-win clash, while Lachie Hansen returns from illness, but Robbie Tarrant (knee) was forced out.

Collingwood lost skipper Nick Maxwell (thumb), fellow veteran Ben Johnson (soreness) and midfielder Sharrod Wellingham (groin) for Saturday night's MCG meeting with Brisbane.

But reliable defender Alan Toovey will return and NSW scholarship player Tom Young becomes the Magpies' fifth AFL debutant this year.

The Lions regained Daniel Rich.

The Western Bulldogs revamped their side, under caretaker coach Paul Williams, naming 2008 father-son recruit Ayce Cordy for a long-awaited AFL debut, along with Jason Tutt, while former Sydney forward Patrick Veszpremi could play his first Bulldogs game.

Veteran ruckman Ben Hudson, 32, was dropped, in a possible pointer to the future, while defender Dale Morris (broken leg) was forced out, and the Dogs confirmed midfielder Adam Cooney's chronic knee injury means he will not play again this year.

Their opponents Port Adelaide dumped premiership midfielder Kane Cornes, bolstering speculation this will be his last year with the Power.

The Swans dropped struggling 30-year-old premiership player Tadhg Kennelly and lost key backman Lewis Roberts-Thomson (calf) for Sunday's crunch ANZ Stadium clash with St Kilda.

Three players will represent Gold Coast for the first time against Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, including Geelong 2007 premiership player Nathan Ablett.

Joel Tippett is another of their debutants, named to play on his brother, Crows star forward Kurt Tippett, who returns from injury, along with fullback Ben Rutten.

Melbourne captain Brad Green returns for Sunday's MCG meeting with Richmond.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP