Western Bulldogs veteran Lindsay Gilbee will play his first AFL match in almost a year, among six changes for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle in Perth.

The Dogs have lost star defender Bob Murphy to a hip injury while Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney has been rested with soreness after unremarkable recent form and Dylan Addison is out with a jaw fracture.

Young tall forwards Liam Jones and Jordan Roughead were dropped, as was backman Ryan Hargrave, from the side that was belted by Essendon last round.

Gilbee, who turns 31 on Sunday, will play his 203rd AFL game but first since July last year, while young midfielder Mitch Wallis is also among the inclusions after being rested for the Bombers clash.

The Dockers made five unforced changes, including regaining classy midfielder Stephen Hill, while key defender Antoni Grover was recalled for his first match this season.

Fremantle also named debutant Cam Sutcliffe.

Hawthorn lost Brent Guerra to suspension and Shaun Burgoyne to a thigh injury for Sunday’s MCG meeting with Greater Western Sydney.

But star forward Lance Franklin kept his spot despite a hamstring complaint.

The Giants lost three key players to injury – Tom Scully (groin), Dylan Shiel (foot) and Luke Power (ribs) – and rested ruckman Dean Brogan.

Young midfield star Stephen Coniglio was among their inclusions.

Winless Gold Coast were boosted by the return of experienced players Michael Rischitelli, Jarrod Harbrow and Campbell Brown among five changes for Sunday’s Metricon Stadium encounter with Geelong.

The Cats lost James Podsiadly (ankle) and Mitch Duncan (knee), but regained Paul Chapman and Josh Hunt return from injury.