Collingwood recalled Andrew Krakouer and dropped out-of-form forward Chris Dawes for Saturday night’s vital AFL match against Essendon at the MCG.
The Magpies made five changes for their last match before the finals, a game they must win to be assured of finishing in the top four and having the double chance.
Dawes has struggled for weeks, while Krakouer is back after needing a knee reconstruction in the pre-season.
They also regained captain Nick Maxwell and No.1 ruckman Darren Jolly from injury, but lost Jarryd Blair to a groin problem and left out Cameron Wood.
Jamie Elliott and Jackson Paine are the other inclusions as Paul Seedsman and Ben Sinclair were dropped.
Hawthorn named Cyril Rioli for the Friday night blockbuster against West Coast, even though he left training early on Thursday as he comes back from a shoulder injury.
They dropped Xavier Ellis, while the Eagles lost Matt Rosa (collarbone) and Eric Mackenzie (hamstring).
Their replacements will be Jacob Brennan and Mitch Brown.
There were also some changes for Geelong’s home clash with Sydney on Saturday, another match with massive top-eight implications.
The Cats are set to recall captain Joel Selwood, key defender Matthew Scarlett, Taylor Hunt and Nathan Vardy, but Travis Varcoe (foot) and Billie Smedts (hand) are among the omissions.
Captain Matthew Pavlich and ruckman Jonathon Griffin were named in Fremantle’s side for the home game this Saturday night against Melbourne.
North Melbourne made no changes for Saturday’s match against Greater Western Sydney, with Daniel Wells and Nathan Grima yet to return from injury ahead of the finals.