Hawk Rioli returns, Swans regain AFL trio

Hawthorn and Sydney have received significant boosts ahead of Friday night’s big AFL clash at the MCG, regaining Cyril Rioli and Josh Kennedy respectively.

Rioli, having missed last week’s win over Fremantle due to a family illness, returns at the expense of Daniel Howe.

Kennedy has recovered from a hamstring strain and returns to the line-up along with Ben McGlynn and Gary Rohan, who will play his first AFL match of the season.

Dean Towers (omitted), Tom Papley (shin) and Jack Hiscox (omitted) drop out of the team, defeated by Richmond last week by a goal after the siren.

Collingwood regain important defender Ben Reid for their clash with Geelong, who have dropped Tom Ruggles in favour of George Horlin-Smith.

Gold Coast’s horror run with injury continued with Gary Ablett (concussion), Aaron Hall (shoulder) and Adam Saad (hamstring) among the six departures from the side mauled by Greater Western Sydney.

Michael Rischitelli, Luke Russell and Peter Wright are among the inclusions to face Adelaide on Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

West Coast have named an unchanged line-up despite speculation spearhead Josh Kennedy will miss Saturday’s match against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval to be with his wife for the birth of their child.

Port regain star midfielder Robbie Gray as they look to rebound from last week’s narrow loss to Carlton.

Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin is back after a cheekbone fracture, with Kane Lambert also returning to face Fremantle at Subiaco.

Daniel Rioli (family illness) and Corey Ellis (soreness) depart.

The Dockers regain Matthew Pavlich, along with Tommy Sheridan and Zac Dawson, as they look for their first win of the season, but lose Stephen Hill to an adductor strain.

Farren Ray will play for his third AFL club with the former Saint and Bulldog named in North Melbourne’s side to take on Carlton on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

Michael Firrito and Trent Dumont are also in, while Majak Daw (omitted), Ben Jacobs (foot) and Mason Wood (concussion) are out.

The Blues get top draft pick Jacob Weitering back from a shoulder injury, with former Gold Coast ruckman Daniel Gorringe in for his first game in navy blue.

Matthew Kreuzer (knee), Levi Casboult (leg) and Michael Jamison (illness) drop out of the side looking for their fifth win in a row.

In Sunday selection news, forgotten ruckman Will Minson is in line to play his first AFL game of the season after being included in a 25-man squad to face GWS at Spotless Stadium.

Koby Stevens, Mitch Honeychurch and Lin Jong are also in, while Matthew Boyd and Jack Redpath are both suspended.

Brisbane coach Justin Leppitsch could make up to nine changes to the side savaged by Collingwood.

Jarrad Jansen, Eric Hipwood and Rhys Mathieson will make their AFL debuts if they survive Friday’s trim of the Lions’ extended squad to face Melbourne.

The Demons have dropped Christian Salem and added Dean Kent, Ben Newton, Oscar McDonald, Alex Neal-Bullen and Jack Grimes.

Sam Fisher, Paddy McCartin, Daniel McKenzie and upgraded rookie Jason Holmes are in St Kilda’s extended squad to face Essendon, who have brought in James Gwilt, Martin Gleeson, Jackson Merrett and Sam Michael.

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