Hawthorn will pit three accomplished AFL ruckmen against a lone Geelong six-gamer on Friday night after the Hawks regained David Hale and the Cats lost Trent West.

But Hawthorn remain without Lance Franklin (hamstring) for the MCG clash, while Cats stars Matthew Scarlett and James Podsiadly return.

Hale’s return from a bruised foot and the retention of Max Bailey means that pair and forward-ruckman Jarryd Roughead will be in the same AFL side for the first time.

Bailey played his first AFL game of the season last weekend against Essendon, returning from a wrist injury.

“It’s one of the first times in the time that I’ve been at the club that we’ve actually had three guys who can play in the ruck available,” Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said.

The Cats had no such luxury, losing West to a knee injury.

It means mature-aged recruit Orren Stephenson was picked for just his seventh AFL game, with his only support to come from part-timers such as Josh Walker and Tom Hawkins.

West is also expected to miss the following round’s clash with West Coast and their star ruck pair Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui.

Scarlett is back from suspension and Podsiadly from an ankle injury, while forward-midfielder Steve Johnson kept his spot despite being concussed last round, but the Cats lost Joel Corey (hamstring).

West Coast named Cox (ankle) and midfielder Daniel Kerr (hamstring) for Saturday’s derby against Fremantle despite injury worries.

But skipper Darren Glass (suspension) and midfielder Matt Rosa (fractured jaw) are out.

The Dockers have regained key defender Zac Dawson.

Carlton have welcomed back key forward Jarrad Waite and midfielder Kade Simpson from injury for Sunday’s clash with Sydney.

Ruckman Shane Mumford returns for the Swans, who lost key forward Sam Reid (knee).

Collingwood’s Darren Jolly, Steele Sidebottom, Dale Thomas and Harry O’Brien return from a rest and Sharrod Wellingham from suspension to play St Kilda on Saturday night.

The Saints lost Adam Schneider (leg).

Injury-plagued Essendon have lost Brent Stanton (hamstring soreness) and Angus Monfries (ankle) and dropped Cory Dell’Olio for Sunday’s AAMI Stadium meeting with Adelaide.

But key forward Michael Hurley returns, while ruckman Sam Jacobs is back for the Crows.

Brisbane have regained Daniel Rich and Josh Drummond for Saturday night’s Gabba clash with Richmond, who regained Matt White, Ben Griffiths and Brad Helbig.

Greater Western Sydney’s Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan return to face their former club Port Adelaide on Saturday.

Jay Schulz and Hamish Hartlett are back for the Power, who have lost Troy Chaplin (knee).

The Western Bulldogs lose Daniel Cross (shoulder) and Luke Dahlhaus (soreness) for Saturday’s encounter with North Melbourne, who lost Lindsay Thomas (suspension).

Melbourne will miss Stefan Martin (foot), Neville Jetta (suspension) and Daniel Nicholson (jaw) for Sunday’s meeting with Gold Coast.