Gold Coast prime movers Gary Ablett and Michael Rischitelli are back to help their side chase a breakthrough AFL win over an injury-hit Greater Western Sydney.
The Suns also produced a feelgood story in the return of Michael Coad, a 28-year-old defender coming off two injury-ravaged years, who has been elevated from the rookie list to replace the injured Nathan Bock.
It was mixed news for the Giants for Saturday’s clash of the winless expansion clubs in Canberra.
Adding to the loss of veterans Dean Brogan and Setanta O’hAilpin with long-term injuries, another experienced player James McDonald will rest.
But GWS were able to add some size and strength with the return of Israel Folau and Chad Cornes, while also regaining their top goal-kicker Jeremy Cameron.
Hawthorn lost captain Luke Hodge for Friday night’s MCG encounter with Melbourne, after a knock to the back last round, and remain without key defender Josh Gibson (ankle).
But fellow tall backman Stephen Gilham will play his first AFL game since a serious knee injury almost a year ago.
The winless Demons dropped Lynden Dunn and Luke Tapscott and lost James Sellar (calf).
Collingwood forward Alan Didak will play his first match of the AFL season against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night, having worked his way back from a pre-season adductor injury.
The Lions regained Andrew Raines and Josh Drummond, but lost Jed Adcock (groin) and Ben Hudson (soreness) among five changes.
Top-placed West Coast remain without injured ruckman Nic Naitanui for Saturday night’s big Etihad Stadium clash with unchanged Essendon and have also lost Adam Selwood (hand) and Ashton Hams (suspension).
Adelaide, with Shaun McKernan suspended, will hand former Essendon rookie-listed ruckman Josh Jenkins an AFL debut against Geelong at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.
The Cats regained captain Joel Selwood and key backman Tom Lonergan, while midfielder Jimmy Bartel kept his spot despite an ankle concern.
Having been hit hard by the loss of star Adam Goodes (quad), Sydney suffered a further blow when utility Lewis Roberts-Thomson (heel) was ruled out for Saturday’s MCG meeting with Richmond.
The Tigers chose not to replace forward-ruckman Ty Vickery (calf) with another big man, their only addition being the return of Daniel Jackson from suspension, although Angus Graham is an emergency.
North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein was recalled to support Hamish McIntosh against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Bulldogs defender Easton Wood (hamstring) joined fellow backman Lukas Markovic, Tom Williams and Dale Morris on the sidelines.
Their attack also took a double blow, with Liam Jones (back) and Nathan Djerrkura (hip) forced out.
Fremantle welcomed back ruck giant Aaron Sandilands for Sunday’s Perth clash with struggling Port Adelaide, who remain without key forward Jay Schulz (eye).
Carlton regained captain Chris Judd and star forward Jarrad Waite for Monday night’s clash with St Kilda, after both were rested last round.
Like the Blues, the Saints were yet to make any omissions, naming key defender Sam Fisher despite a hamstring injury.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
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Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.
It’s high stakes with five teams having lost their first three games of season 2024, and in desperate need of a win.
