Collingwood have recalled defender Martin Clarke for Friday night’s AFL clash with Sydney at the MCG but have been unable to regain Heath Shaw because of a back injury.

Premiership player Shaw was due to return from suspension this week but has been ruled out with what the club says is a minor lower-back complaint.

The Magpies have dropped midfielder Josh Thomas while premiers Sydney welcome Jed Lamb and have dumped Tommy Walsh.

The 16th-placed Western Bulldogs, facing a massive game against St Kilda on Saturday, have dumped Lukas Markovic and their former club champion Daniel Cross while Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney is also out of the side with a hamstring bleed.

St Kilda have been boosted by the return of three-time club champion Lenny Hayes.

Star midfielder Steve Johnson is back from a minor calf injury for the second-placed Cats who travel to AAMI Stadium to play Port Adelaide on Saturday, while Dom Cassisi is unavailable for Port because of a hamstring injury.

Ex-skipper Chris Newman and ruckman Ivan Maric return for Richmond in Saturday night’s Dreamtime clash with Essendon at the MCG while the Bombers regain Courtenay Dempsey whose return from injury was delayed by a week following his late night out which breached the club’s injury-protocol rules.

Carlton regain Bryce Gibbs for Saturday night’s Gabba clash with Brisbane who will be without suspended pair Justin Clarke and Daniel Merrett.

Ladder leaders Hawthorn are resting ruckman David Hale (ankle) for Sunday’s match against Gold Coast while Melbourne have recalled Jack Watts for the game against Fremantle in Perth.

West Coast are taking on bottom side Greater Western Sydney on Saturday but the Eagles’ depth will be tested with four more players – Adam Selwood (quad), Will Schofield (finger), Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) and Beau Waters (quad) – added to their injury list.

Adelaide have included forward Ian Callinan in their squad for Sunday’s clash with North Melbourne.