The Western Bulldogs have reacted to their AFL form slump with four unforced changes for Saturday’s match against GWS.

Ruckman Will Minson is among the inclusions, but that depends on his Thursday night appeal at the VFL.

Minson is challenging a controversial four-match ban for umpire contact.

He has been out of the Bulldogs’ AFL team since round three.

The Bulldogs have lost their last three games after winning four of their opening five.

They lost Brett Goodes with a broken arm and Stewart Crameri to an adductor injury.

Ayce Cordy, Michael Talia, Lachie Hunter and Lin Jong were dropped.

Jarrad Grant, Nathan Hrovat, Jack Macrae and Lukas Webb were recalled, while defender Joel Hamling will make his senior debut.

If Minson’s appeal fails, the Bulldogs will have until 11am on Friday to finalise their side.

Carlton captain Marc Murphy has a calf injury and joins Chris Judd (knee), Bryce Gibbs (back) and Robbie Warnock (hip) on the sidelines for Friday night’s match against Sydney.

The Blues will regain Lachie Henderson from a hamstring injury, along with Andrew Carrazzo, Andrew Walker and Nick Graham.

Port Adelaide’s woes continue, with an Achilles injury forcing high-profile recruit Patrick Ryder out of Saturday’s game against Melbourne in Alice Springs.

The Power will also be without Jackson Trengove (ankle).

Richmond lost Ty Vickery (ankle) and recalled youngster Liam McBean for Saturday night’s match against Essendon.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge is back from suspension and features among three changes for the Launceston game on Saturday against Gold Coast.

The Hawks lost Grant Birchall (ankle) and Will Langford (corked calf).

Matt Suckling was dropped, Taylor Duryea was recalled and backman Daniel Howe was named for his AFL debut.