Hawks’ ruck boost, Cats’ blow in AFL

Hawthorn have bolstered their ruck brigade by adding David Hale while Geelong have lost their No.1 big man Trent West to injury for Friday night’s AFL blockbuster.

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

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

Bailey played his first AFL game of the season last weekend against Essendon, returning from a wrist injury, but there was doubt over whether the Hawks would play both him and Hale.

The Cats lost West to a knee injury, replaced by six-gamer Orren Stephenson and will also be without veteran midfielder Joel Corey (hamstring).

Scarlett is back from suspension and Podsiadly from an ankle injury, while classy forward-midfielder Steve Johnson kept his spot despite being concussed last round.

West Coast, who have lost skipper Darren Glass to suspension, kept ruckman Dean Cox and midfielder Daniel Kerr in their side to meet Fremantle on Saturday despite injury concerns.

The Dockers regained key backman Zac Dawson.

Carlton have named key forward Jarrad Waite and midfielder Kade Simpson to return from injury against Sydney on Sunday.

Ruckman Shane Mumford is set to return for the Swans, who lost key forward Sam Reid (knee).

Collingwood have welcomed back Darren Jolly, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham, Dale Thomas and Harry O’Brien to play St Kilda on Saturday night, after resting their stars against Greater Western Sydney.

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 they have named key forward Michael Hurley to return from injury, 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 at Skoda Stadium on Saturday.

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

The struggling Western Bulldogs will be without Daniel Cross (shoulder) and Luke Dahlhaus (soreness) for Saturday’s encounter with North Melbourne, who lost Lindsay Thomas (suspension).

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