Carlton have lost Matthew Kreuzer, Lachie Henderson and Andrew Walker to injury, as their dearth of AFL big men reaches crisis proportions.
The Blues, who have also lost captain Chris Judd to a four-match ban, have been forced into lifting Levi Casboult off the rookie list and naming him as their starting ruckman for Saturday night’s clash with the Western Bulldogs.
Another rookie Tom Bell has also been handed an AFL debut.
Kreuzer is out with a hip injury, leaving Carlton missing their first three choices for the ruck, with Robbie Warnock (suspension) and Shaun Hampson (knee) already sidelined.
They are also struggling badly for tall forwards, with Walker joining Jarrad Waite on the injury list.
The struggling Bulldogs have also made five changes, including the return of veteran forward Daniel Giansiracusa.
Adelaide have made six changes, including welcoming back key forward Kurt Tippett, for Saturday’s AAMI Stadium meeting with West Coast.
The Eagles have been strengthened by the return of forwards Quinten Lynch and Ashton Hams and backman Beau Waters, with Jack Darling retaining his spot despite a hamstring concern.
Essendon have regained Stewart Crameri and Angus Monfries to an attack still missing Michael Hurley and Paddy Ryder for Friday night’s clash with Geelong.
Brisbane have lost midfielder Daniel Rich to suspension for Saturday’s derby against Gold Coast.
Melbourne will be without Mark Jamar (calf), Jamie Bennell (knee) and Jordie McKenzie (groin) for Saturday night’s Darwin meeting with Port Adelaide.
The Power regained skipper Dom Cassisi.
Brendon Goddard and Jack Steven return from suspension for St Kilda for Sunday’s SCG clash with Sydney.
Richmond have named Ivan Maric to return from injury and Dustin Martin and Daniel Jackson from suspension for Sunday’s MCG encounter with North Melbourne.
The Kangaroos, who have lost Jack Ziebell to suspension, kept Leigh Adams and Drew Petrie in their 25-man squad despite fitness queries.
Fremantle have lost Chris Mayne (calf) and Greg Broughton (back) for Sunday’s meeting with Greater Western Sydney in Perth.
The Giants will be without a string of their best players, including Jeremy Cameron (back), Jonathon Patton, Stephen Coniglio (back), Taylor Adams, Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan.
