Adelaide skipper Mark Ricciuto is set to play his first AFL match in more than nine months after being named in the Crows side to tackle winless Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

Ricciuto, who turns 32 next week, has finally shaken off a series of illness and injury-related setbacks to put himself in line for a return against the Demons.

The 2003 Brownlow Medallist last played in round 20 last year before being sidelined for the rest of the season by parvovirus.

Then a debilitating back injury wrecked Ricciuto's start to the year.

But after training well this week, Ricciuto was elevated to the Crows team named on Thursday night, with Luke Jericho omitted.

Ruckman Jonathan Griffin has also been named despite an ankle injury, though experienced Ken McGregor is expected to be called up from the emergencies should Griffin fail to be prove his fitness.

Melbourne will bring back midfielders Matthew Bate and Colin Sylvia, but the Demons have lost forward Brad Miller with a wrist injury.

Influential Geelong forward Paul Chapman looks likely to return from a hamstring injury for the Cats' clash with St Kilda on Sunday.

Chapman, skipper Tom Harley and rising star Tom Hawkins have all been named on an extended interchange bench for the in-form Cats.

Chapman has not played since injuring his hamstring while spearheading the Cats' early demolition of Richmond in their huge win nearly four weeks ago.

Sydney coach Paul Roos is confident rebounding defender Tadhg Kennelly has recovered sufficiently from illness to return for the Swans' clash with Essendon at the SCG on Saturday night.

Kennelly spent two days in hospital last week with a virus and lost around three kilograms, along with goalsneak Nick Davis, who has overcome a hamstring problem.

"I've spoken to Tadhg and he says he's feeling pretty good and he ran again yesterday," Sydney coach Paul Roos said.

"So at this stage barring him pulling up with a headache or a bit of a relapse, we definitely expect him to play."

Jared Crouch is out with a hamstring injury, while young forward Heath Grundy has been dropped.

Essendon axed veteran midfielder Scott Camporeale ahead of the Swans clash.

Brisbane pulled a major selection surprise by naming errant youngster Rhan Hooper in their side to play Richmond at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

Hooper walked out on the club in the pre-season, but eventually returned two months later.

Now it appears all is forgiven, with Lions coach Leigh Matthews picking Hooper for the weekend, along with veteran Chris Johnson who has recovered from a foot injury.

As expected, the Western Bulldogs have regained defender Jordan McMahon and Ryan Griffen from injury for their clash with Carlton on Sunday.

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