Essendon is poised to welcome the return of key players Darcy Parish, Mason Redman, and Jake Kelly as they aim to rebound against a formidable yet depleted St Kilda side.
Meanwhile, star Carlton defender Jacob Weitering is back for their Good Friday encounter against North Melbourne, while Melbourne has included Jake Lever and Clayton Oliver in their lineup despite their respective injury concerns ahead of their match against Port Adelaide.
Parish and Kelly are set to make their comebacks from hamstring tightness and illness, while Redman is available after serving a one-game suspension for striking.
This marks Parish’s first appearance of the season following a hamstring injury sustained during the preseason.
The Bombers have opted not to directly replace suspended forward Peter Wright, while former first-round pick Elijah Tsatas and fellow youngster Alwyn Davey Jnr have been omitted.
St. Kilda has been forced to make three changes to their lineup. Key forward Anthony Caminiti will step in for Max King, who is serving a suspension, while debutant Angus Hastie and Dan Butler return to replace the injured duo of Mason Wood and Liam Henry.
Carlton’s defensive ace Jacob Weitering returns from a calf injury, alongside Caleb Marchbank, who has recovered from illness. This sees Brodie Kemp and Lachie Young making way.
Former Gold Coast player Elijah Hollands is set to make his club debut after serving a two-match illicit drugs ban, taking the place of injured utility David Cuningham, who is nursing a calf injury.
North Melbourne has opted for an unchanged lineup.
The Demons have made just one change for their Saturday night showdown at Adelaide Oval, with midfielder Taj Woewodin coming in for Steven May, who is recuperating from broken ribs.
While Jake Lever suffered a minor knee injury in last week’s victory over Hawthorn and Clayton Oliver dislocated his finger during Thursday’s training, the Demons have decided against directly replacing sidelined defensive stalwart Steven May. Harrison Petty appears likely to shift back alongside Lever and Tom McDonald.
Power forward Dylan Williams has been dropped for Jed McEntee.
Jack Macrae headlines five inclusions on an extended bench for the Western Bulldogs’ clash with West Coast on Sunday, joined by Riley Garcia, James O’Donnell, Rory Lobb, and Taylor Duryea. The Bulldogs will be making at least two changes with Ed Richards and Nick Coffield sidelined due to concussion and shoulder injury respectively.
Veteran Andrew Gaff is one of three additions to the Eagles’ squad, alongside potential debutant Harvey Johnston and young key forward Jack Williams.
Richmond defender Nathan Broad is named to return from calf soreness against Sydney on Sunday. Tyler Young, who missed the Tigers’ last match due to concussion, and late withdrawal Maurice Rioli (back) are named on an extended bench alongside Tyler Sonsie and former Swan Sam Naismith. James Tresize (ankle) and Judson Clarke (omitted) drop out.
Sydney will be without Harry Cunningham due to concussion, while Sam Wicks has been dropped. Robbie Fox, Peter Ladhams, Jacob Konstanty, Caleb Mitchell, and Aaron Francis are on the extended bench.
Fremantle has maintained an unchanged lineup to face Adelaide on Friday. The Crows have dropped Sam Berry and lost Jordon Butts to an ankle injury, while recalling James Borlase and Lachlan Sholl.
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TEAM NEWS: Key Carlton defender returns, Melbourne’s decision on Lever, and star Essendon player’s comeback.
Carlton’s All-Australian defender Jacob Weitering is set to make his season debut, Melbourne has included the injured backman Jake Lever, and Essendon is ready to welcome back key players Darcy Parish and Mason Redman.
Western Bulldogs’ prolific midfielder Jack Macrae is a possibility for his first appearance of the 2024 season, being listed on the extended bench for Sunday’s game against West Coast. Meanwhile, St Kilda has added speedy forward Dan Butler and young tall Anthony Caminiti to their lineup.
At Ikon Park, the major selection update sees Carlton naming Weitering and fellow key defender Caleb Marchbank, while former Gold Coast player Elijah Hollands is set to make his debut for the club following a two-match ban for illicit drugs.
Defenders Lewis Young and Brodie Kemp have been omitted as the Blues prepare to face an unchanged North Melbourne side on Good Friday.
Fremantle will maintain their lineup unchanged for their match against Adelaide later on Friday, but Adelaide will be without tall defender Jordon Butts due to an ankle injury, with Lachie Sholl stepping in to replace Sam Berry in the midfield.
Essendon will see the return of key players Redman and Parish, aiming to challenge St Kilda, who have suffered just one loss this season. Second-year midfielder Elijah Tsatas and forward Alwyn Davey jnr have been left out of the lineup against the Saints.
St Kilda’s lineup will feature forwards Caminiti and Butler, alongside debutant Angus Hastie, a first-year medium defender from the Geelong Falcons.
Melbourne has opted to include Lever, who has been cleared of any structural damage following knee scans, to face Port Adelaide. Additionally, first-round substitute Taj Woewodin replaces the injured Steven May in the 23.
The Power have brought back pressure forward Jed McEntee, substituting utility Dylan Williams.
In Sunday’s team updates, Bulldogs’ midfielder Macrae is included in the squad for the first time this season after demonstrating form and fitness in the VFL, while West Coast has listed veteran Andrew Gaff in its extended lineup.
