Midfield stars Marc Murphy and Scott Pendlebury have been named to return from injury for Carlton and Collingwood in their important weekend AFL matches.

Carlton gun Murphy is set to play against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Friday night – eight weeks after fracturing his shoulder.

And Collingwood have brought back Pendlebury for Saturday night’s clash with Geelong at the MCG.

Pendlebury has been out for the Magpies’ past four matches because of a fracture in his leg.

The Magpies also regain defenders Nathan Brown and Chris Tarrant for the grand final rematch.

Essendon have lost ruckman Paddy Ryder for their clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday.

He has fallen victim to another soft tissue injury for the Bombers – this time a calf problem.