Sydney have lost first-choice ruckman Tom Hickey to a toe injury in a huge blow ahead of their AFL blockbuster against Richmond on Friday night.
Gun midfielder Bailey Smith will sit out of the Western Bulldogs' meeting with West Coast as the latest star to be sidelined through illness and Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker has entered health and safety protocols.
Walker will miss the Crows' trip to Geelong, while Hawthorn have lost Jaeger O'Meara to a hamstring injury for their crunch battle with Gold Coast in Darwin.
Hickey joins Sydney co-captain Josh Kennedy (hamstring/suspension) on the sidelines, leaving Peter Ladhams and the returning Sam Reid to do the ruck work against Richmond's Toby Nanknervis.
"Hickey has had a bit of a toe issue the last couple of weeks (and) he's pulled up a bit sore at training," Swans coach John Longmire said.
"We've lost a bit of experience out there but we gain some of that in Sam Reid, who comes back into the side."
First-year midfielder Matthew Roberts will debut for the Swans at the SCG, while Richmond have regained Marlion Pickett (supension) and Jack Graham (toe).
Tom Lynch (hamstring) and Kane Lambert (hip) were injured during the Tigers' win over Essendon and will both miss at least one match.
Smith will not travel to Perth for the Bulldogs' clash with West Coast on Saturday night but they will be bolstered by the return of key duo Tim English and Cody Weightman.
The Eagles have regained Josh Kennedy and Sam Petrevski-Seton, and have not been forced into any changes this week.
It is a rare luxury for coach Adam Simpson in a season when his squad has been ravaged by injuries and COVID-19 issues.
Adelaide have lost Walker but recalled Reilly O'Brien and Matt Crouch to face Geelong, who have lost Patrick Dangerfield (calf) for the clash with his old side on Saturday.
Bookends Daniel McStay and Marcus Adams are back in action for Brisbane against GWS, who have recalled Lachie Keeffe and Lachie Ash.
The Lions have also lost Hugh McCluggage to a hamstring injury.
Tough midfielder Jack Viney returns for Melbourne's clash with top-four contenders Fremantle on Saturday but Demons wingman Ed Langdon (ribs) is not fit to take on his former club.
The Dockers recalled Darcy Tucker and Brandon Walker, with Sam Switkowski suspended.
O'Meara's absence is a blow for Hawthorn, who have named Jacob Koschitzke in the ruck after Max Lynch (concussion) joined Ben McEvoy and Ned Reeves on the sidelines.
Jackson Archer, son of North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer, is a chance to make his debut after being named in the Kangaroos' extended squad to face St Kilda on Sunday.
Collingwood named Mason Cox and Jack Ginnivan for Sunday's huge game against traditional rivals Carlton despite injury concerns, while Jack Martin was added to the Blues' squad after overcoming a calf injury.
Key forward Charlie Dixon was named to return for Port Adelaide after overcoming an ankle injury.
The Power take on Essendon, who have picked promising youngster Harry Jones for his first game of the season.
Australian Associated Press
