North lose four AFL players to injury
North Melbourne have lost four injured players, including captain Andrew Swallow, for Friday night's AFL blockbuster against Hawthorn.
Swallow (concussion), key forward Jarrad Waite (hip), Ben Cunnington (thigh) and Robin Nahas (finger) will all miss the Etihad Stadium encounter against Hawthorn, whose three changes include the return of influential onballer Sam Mitchell from injury.
The Hawks also called on Jonathon Ceglar and Taylor Duryea to replace dropped trio Will Langford, Marc Pittonet and Angus Litherland.
In selections for Saturday's games, Fremantle's ex-skipper Matthew Pavlich will return from a groin injury to face Port Adelaide, who have dumped winger Jared Polec in favour of Karl Amon.
West Coast summoned journeyman ruckman Jonathan Giles to face Brisbane after the Eagles lost their regular ruck duo - Nic Naitanui is injured and Scott Lycett has been suspended by the club for disciplinary reasons.
The Eagles, who also dropped Liam Duggan and Xavier Ellis, named Lewis Jetta, Sam Butler and Fraser McInnes as replacements.
Struggling Brisbane made five changes with Tom Bell (knee) and Harris Andrew (groin) out because of injury and Nick Robertson, Daniel McStay and Trent West all dumped.
The Lions called on Marco Paparone, Josh Walker, Ryan Lester, Claye Beams and first-gamer Eric Hipwood as replacements.
The Western Bulldogs lost utility Luke Dahlhaus (knee) and omitted Joel Hamling for Saturday night's clash with Geelong, with Marcus Adams and Lin Jong returning to the side.
Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins returns from suspension, replacing Darcy Lang.
In Sunday selections, Sydney were unable to consider hamstring victims Kurt Tippett and Harrison Marsh for their SCG game against Melbourne.
The Swans also dropped Harry Cunningham and added Aliir Aliir, George Hewett, Tyrone Leonardis, Sam Naismith, Toby Nankervis and Dean Towers to an extended squad.
Melbourne included Viv Michie, Jack Grimes and James Harmes in their 25-man squad.
And Greater Western Sydney suffered two injury blows with veterans Steve Johnson (foot) and ruckman Shane Mumford (ankle) unavailable for their away fixture against Essendon, who made one confirmed change with the omission of Kyle Langford.
