Important defender returns for Pies in AFL

Important Collingwood defender Ben Reid will play his first game of the AFL pre-season series when the Pies face Richmond in Moe on Saturday.

Reid has been carefully managed through his preparation for the 2017 premiership campaign after undergoing knee surgery late last year.

Ruckman Brodie Grundy has also been named despite an injury scare at training during the week.

As expected, off-season recruit Daniel Wells was not named and appears in doubt for round one as he continues to struggle with a calf complaint.

The Tigers have selected rebounding defender Bachar Houli for his first game of the pre-season after he was slowed by a hamstring injury.

Star recruit Dion Prestia also returns after he was rested last week.

Adelaide have sharpened their attack ahead of their clash against Brisbane with the inclusion of Eddie Betts, Josh Jenkins and Mitch McGovern.

Betts and Jenkins were rested last week, while McGovern has recovered from a knee injury suffered in the Crows' loss to Richmond.

The Lions have named a strong squad for the encounter at Noarlunga Oval, swingman Daniel McStay to feature for the first time this pre-season.

Port Adelaide will rest star forward Chad Wingard for their game against Hawthorn in Adelaide on Sunday.

The Power brought in Brad Ebert, Aaron Young, Jake Neade, Brendon Ah Chee and Matt White, while the Hawks added Isaac Smith, Paul Puopolo, Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall and Ben McEvoy.

Geelong take on Essendon in Bendigo on Sunday, with the Cats regaining Cameron Guthrie after a calf problem and veteran defender Andrew Mackie, who was rested last week.

The Bombers have named their strongest team of the pre-season, new skipper Dyson Heppell, Zach Merrett, David Zaharakis, Mark Baguley and James Kelly among the inclusions.

St Kilda take on Sydney in Laverton in the last game of the pre-season competition on Sunday night.

Nick Riewoldt, Jarryn Geary and Sam Gilbert all missed the Saints' 92-point mauling of Carlton but are among the inclusions.

Veteran midfielder Leigh Montagna hasn't been named as he continues to recover from a calf injury.