Ruckman Ivan Maric is set to play his first game of an AFL season that is fast slipping away for Richmond.
Maric has been sidelined since undergoing ankle surgery in February, but has been named to return in Saturday’s Dreamtime at the `G clash with Essendon.
Ty Vickery was squeezed out as the 13th-placed Tigers chase their first consecutive wins of the season after thumping GWS by 113 points.
Reigning Richmond best-and-fairest winner Dan Jackson was named despite carrying a leg injury.
The Bombers recalled veterans Jason Winderlich and Paul Chapman.
Ben Howlett was also promoted, with Jackson Merrett (hand), Joe Daniher (omitted) and Kurt Aylett (omitted) making way.
Collingwood midfielder Luke Ball (calf), Hawthorn ruckman Ben McEvoy (corked hamstring) and Port Adelaide veteran Dom Cassisi (knee) were among the surprise omissions in the teams named on Thursday.
The Magpies were forced to make two changes for Friday night’s game against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, with Lachlan Keeffe and Taylor Adams returning for Ball and Nathan Brown (shoulder).
The Saints promoted Brodie Murdoch and Sebastian Ross in place of Jimmy Webster (omitted) and Blake Acres (ankle).
The table-topping Power will tackle Melbourne on Saturday minus Cassisi, Angus Monfries (ankle) and Hamish Hartlett (suspended).
The Demons called on Neville Jetta and James Frawley for the inaugural regular-season match in Alice Springs, with Jimmy Toumpas dropped and Chris Dawes serving a one-match ban.
The returns of Tom Rockliff, Joel Patfull and Matt Maguire headlined six changes made by Brisbane for Saturday’s home clash with Carlton.
The Blues named Andrew Carrazzo and Mitch Robinson as replacements for Andrew Walker (knee) and Dennis Armfield (calf).
In Sunday’s extended squads, Fremantle’s Matt de Boer (knee), Gold Coast on-baller Harley Bennell (calf) and McEvoy were among the omissions.
Key defender Luke McPharlin will return from injury for the Dockers when they take on Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
Former Melbourne midfielder Colin Sylvia is in line to play his first game for Fremantle.
