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Magpies name Maxwell, Ball in AFL

Collingwood have regained ex-skipper Nick Maxwell for Sunday's AFL blockbuster against Essendon at the MCG.

The sixth-placed Magpies have also named Luke Ball, who like Maxwell has recovered from a calf injury, in their squad.

Maxwell has been recalled after one game in the VFL.

Tenth-placed Essendon will be without suspended acting captain Brendon Goddard while Kyle Hardingham has been dropped.

Hawthorn have recalled ruckman Ben McEvoy for his first AFL game since May 24 as the Hawks prepare for Friday night's clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

McEvoy comes into the side in place of David Hale, while Will Langford and Jonathan Simpkin return for injured onballer Brad Sewell and suspended backman Brian Lake.

"We've had Lakey for five games this season. It's round 17 and we've won 11 games, so it's not like we can't win without him," Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said on Friday.

Adelaide regain Jason Porplyzia while David Mackay is unavailable because of a hamstring injury.

Fremantle will be without Luke McPharlin (calf) and Garrick Ibbotson (calf) for Sunday's game against Greater Western Sydney at Patersons Stadium, although the inclusions of skipper Matthew Pavlich and defender Michael Johnson soften the blow.

Geelong regain midfielder James Kelly for Saturday's MCG clash with Melbourne, while Jed Bews has been dropped. The Demons have axed Max Gawn, Christian Salem and Dom Barry.

Carlton will be without injured pair Andrew Carrazzo (quad) and Troy Menzel (shoulder) for their daunting assignment against competition leaders Sydney at the SCG on Saturday.

The Swans have promoted debutant Dean Towers, 24, for injured first-year player Zak Jones (Achilles).

Nic Naitanui is back for West Coast but fellow ruckman Dean Cox has been left out because of soreness for Saturday's game at the Gabba against Brisbane. Sharrod Wellingham and Jamie Cripps have been dropped while Callum Sinclair comes in at full forward for Josh Kennedy (suspended).

The Lions have named Mitch Golby to replace suspended onballer Tom Rockliff.

St Kilda regain former club champions Lenny Hayes and Sam Fisher for their trip to Hobart to play North Melbourne, while ruckman Billy Longer has been dumped for Tom Hickey.

North's Jack Ziebell remains on the sidelines with a knee problem, with Aaron Mullett coming in for Liam Anthony.

Gold Coast have included Tom Murphy and Matt Shaw for injured pair Gary Ablett and Trent McKenzie ahead of Saturday's game in Cairns against the Western Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs have dropped Shaun Higgins.