Keidean Coleman, Callum Ah Chee and Dan McStay have been forced into the AFL's health and safety protocols, while Jarrod Berry (hamstring) and Jaxon Prior (quad) were ruled out with injury.

The blows come on top of star duo Dayne Zorko and Daniel Rich suffering minor hamstring injuries in last week's 41-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Mitch Robinson and Ryan Lester have been named for their returns, while Nakia Cockatoo is a chance to play his first AFL match since round five after being named on the extended bench.

Essendon have been bolstered by the return of vice-captain Andrew McGrath (adductor).

Sydney have lost ruckman Tom Hickey to illness for Friday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs, with Peter Ladhams named as his replacement.

The Bulldogs regain ruckman Tim English (concussion) while Mitch Hannan will play his first AFL match since round three after overcoming concussion.

Ed Richards (concussion) and last week's unused medical sub Riley Garcia were also named in the 22, with the axe falling on Jordon Sweet, Tim O'Brien, Robbie McComb and Hayden Crozier.

Hawthorn have received an inspirational boost for Sunday's match against Adelaide at Marvel Stadium after captain Ben McEvoy was cleared to return from a fractured neck.

Forward Jack Gunston will miss the match after the mid-week death of his father while midfielder James Worpel (shoulder), defender Lachlan Bramble (back), Sam Butler (shin) and Will Day (suspended) go out.

The Crows have lost defender Mitch Hinge (health and safety protocols) and forward Josh Rachele (hip), but Matt Crouch is a chance to play after being added to the extended squad.

Collingwood forward Jordan De Goey has been named to take on North Melbourne on Saturday despite suffering tightness in his quad at training on Thursday.

Defender Darcy Moore goes out with a knee injury while Jeremy Howe returns from illness.

North Melbourne have made six changes, headlined by the return of captain Jack Ziebell (facial fracture) and ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones.

Defender Aaron Hall (quad) and ruckman Tristan Xerri (shoulder) were the notable outs.

Gold Coast suffered a huge double blow when Izak Rankine and Oleg Markov were forced into the health and safety protocols ahead of Saturday's crunch encounter with Richmond at Metricon Stadium.

Connor Budarick, who suffered a season-ending knee injury against the Magpies last week, will also be missing, with the Suns recalling Jack Lukosius, Brayden Fiorini, Sam Day and Jeremy Sharp.

Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia returns from concussion, but Dustin Martin (hamstring), Nick Vlastuin (suspended), and Kane Lambert (injured) go out.

Fremantle have named Matt Taberner for Saturday's clash with St Kilda despite the key forward being subbed out last week with a hamstring injury.

The Saints lost Dougal Howard (knee) and Hunter Clark (face), with defender Darragh Joyce named for his first AFL match since round two.

Carlton welcome back defender Jacob Weitering for Sunday's encounter with West Coast in Perth, with the Eagles bolstered by the return of spearhead Josh Kennedy.

GWS have recalled Lachlan Keeffe and James Peatling for the match against Port Adelaide, while Zak Butters returns for the Power.

Australian Associated Press