Geelong's three-time premiership hero Paul Chapman will play his first AFL game in four months against Sydney on Saturday.
Collingwood have also recalled a premiership star, Alan Didak, for Friday night's clash with West Coast.
Star Geelong forward Tom Hawkins also returns for his side's crunch Simonds Stadium clash with the Swans, after having last weekend off to rest a sore back.
For Chapman, it will be his first AFL game since round four, the Cats' most recent clash with the Swans, after finding good form in the VFL on return from hamstring injuries.
The Swans have lost Jude Bolton to illness, recalling Tom Mitchell.
Didak will play just his third game this season and first since round 11.
The Magpies have lost Jamie Elliott (hamstring) and Ben Sinclair (shoulder).
Luke Shuey (hamstring) joins a long list of missing Eagles, while Andrew Embley has been dropped, but Chris Masten returns.
Carlton have been boosted by the return of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer for Saturday night's must-win meeting with Essendon, but they are still missing speedster Jeff Garlett and midfield star Chris Judd.
The slumping Bombers have also gained some reinforcements, with Paddy Ryder, Michael Hurley and David Myers to return, but Dyson Heppell's ankle injury has forced him out.
Fremantle will be without ruckman Aaron Sandilands (cheekbone) for Saturday night's crucial clash with Port Adelaide, while the Power have lost Hamish Hartlett (suspension) and Cameron Hitchcock (hamstring).
North Melbourne's Jack Ziebell and Michael Firrito return to take on top-placed Hawthorn on Saturday.
Nathan Grima (foot) joins fellow key defender Scott Thompson on the sidelines.
The Hawks have lost small forward Paul Puopolo (calf) but regained backman Brent Guerra.
Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has doused fears that his knee injury is serious by training without apparent trouble on Thursday and has been named in the Tigers' squad to face Greater Western Sydney.
Shane Edwards, Jake King and Matthew White return from injury but Luke McGuane and David Astbury are both out with leg soreness.
Melbourne have regained James Frawley and Chris Dawes for Saturday's AAMI Stadium meeting with Adelaide, among five changes, but Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) and Sam Blease (ankle) are among four forced omissions.
The Crows have lost Sam Shaw (hamstring).
Brisbane will be without Simon Black (suspension) for Sunday's encounter with the in-form Western Bulldogs.
St Kilda have regained Lenny Hayes for their clash with Gold Coast.
But Justin Koschitzke has not been included, meaning his last chance to reach his 200-game milestone will be in round 23 against Fremantle.
The Suns have added Karmichael Hunt and Michael Rischitelli to their extended bench, but lost David Swallow (knee), Seb Tape (concussion) and Jack Hutchins (hamstring).
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