Ablett, Rischitelli back for AFL’s Suns

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett and fellow midfield gun Michael Rischitelli will return from injury for Saturday’s AFL crunch clash with Greater Western Sydney.

The Suns also produced a feelgood story in the return of Michael Coad, a defender coming off two injury-ravaged years, who has been elevated from the rookie list to replace the injured Nathan Bock.

The Giants have lost injured veterans Dean Brogan and Setanta O’hAilpin, among six changes, but welcomed back Israel Folau, Chad Cornes and Jeremy Cameron for the clash of the winless expansion clubs in Canberra.

Hawthorn lost captain Luke Hodge for Friday night’s MCG encounter with Melbourne and remain without key defender Josh Gibson, but fellow backman Stephen Gilham will play his first AFL game since a serious knee injury almost a year ago.

The winless Demons dropped Lynden Dunn and Luke Tapscott and lost James Sellar (calf).

Collingwood forward Alan Didak will play his first match of the AFL season against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night, but the Magpies have lost Ben Johnson long-term and Dale Thomas remains sidelined.

The Lions regained Andrew Raines and Josh Drummond, but lost Jed Adcock (groin) and Ben Hudson (soreness) among five changes.

Top-placed West Coast remain without injured ruckman Nic Naitanui for Saturday night’s big Etihad Stadium clash with unchanged Essendon and have also lost Adam Selwood (hand) and Ashton Hams (suspension).

Adelaide, who lost Shaun McKernan to suspension, will hand former Essendon rookie-listed ruckman Josh Jenkins an AFL debut against Geelong at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The Cats were strengthened by the return of captain Joel Selwood and key backman Tom Lonergan, while midfielder Jimmy Bartel kept his spot despite an ankle concern.

Sydney lost utility Lewis Roberts-Thomson (heel), further hurting the Swans after the blow of losing superstar Adam Goodes (quad) for Saturday’s MCG meeting with Richmond.

The Tigers lost tall forward Ty Vickery, with their only addition the return of Daniel Jackson from suspension.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein is set to return against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

The Bulldogs have been hit hard by injury, losing Easton Wood (hamstring), who joins fellow backmen Lukas Markovic, Tom Williams and Dale Morris on the sidelines.

Forwards Liam Jones (back) and Nathan Djerrkura (hip) have also joined the injury list.

Fremantle welcome back ruck star Aaron Sandilands for Sunday’s clash with Port Adelaide.

St Kilda and Carlton are yet to make any omissions for Monday night’s clash, but captain Chris Judd and star forward Jarrad Waite are set to return from a rest for the Blues.

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