Tom Doedee will make his long-awaited Brisbane Lions debut in the crucial AFL clash with Sydney as finals hopefuls Fremantle welcome back Nat Fyfe against Port Adelaide.
A door opened for unlucky defender Doedee when fellow Lions backman Ryan Lester (concussion) was ruled out of Saturday's Gabba contest with the Swans.
The 28-year-old, a high-profile recruit from Adelaide in late 2023, has overcome two knee reconstructions and will play his first AFL game in more than two years.
Will McLachlan returns for Brisbane, who have lost star ball-winner Lachie Neale (quad), while key forward Hayden McLean is back from concussion for Sydney.
Fyfe returns from his latest injury setback at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, having dominated at WAFL level last week.
The Dockers are also bolstered by the inclusion of skipper Alex Pearce after losing gun midfielder Hayden Young (adductor).
Out of the finals race, Port have regained Jack Lukosius, Willie Rioli and captain Connor Rozee after they were belted by Geelong last week.
Gold Coast, chasing their first finals appearance, have recalled Malcolm Rosas in place of the injured Sam Flanders for their important date with Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
The Blues surprisingly dropped ruckman Marc Pittonet, leaving Tom De Koning to do battle with Suns big man Jarrod Witts.
St Kilda named Mattaes Phillipou for their dead-rubber against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday, after the exciting youngster impressed on his return from a plantaris injury in the VFL last week.
Darcy Wilson and Liam Henry have also been recalled for the Saints, while the Tigers have been bolstered by the return of experienced trio Tom Lynch, Nathan Broad and Tim Taranto.
On Sunday, GWS will line up against North Melbourne at Engie Stadium without spearhead Jesse Hogan, who has been managed after his foot issue flared up.
Giants captain Toby Greene returns from a one-match suspension, while the Kangaroos have regained ruckman Tristan Xerri after his three-match ban.
Adelaide have managed veteran forward Taylor Walker out of their clash with lowly West Coast at Optus Stadium.
