KANGAROO forward Nathan Thompson will make a return to AFL ranks against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, after being named in North Melbourne's final team.

Thompson returns from undergoing a 'mini pre-season' -- including one game in the VFL -- to build up strength in his legs after he was demoted following North's narrow win over Port Adelaide in round 15.

Captain Adam Simpson also returns after a week out with a hip injury, while Ed Lower will play his first match since round 13.

Leigh Brown, Blake Grima and Shannon Watt have all been omitted.

For the Bulldogs, Tim Callan has been included for his ninth game of the season, while teenager Callan Ward will play his fourth career match. Andrejs Everitt and Josh Hill have been omitted.

Richmond welcome back crafty goalkicker Nathan Brown for their crunch match against the an injury-depleted Adelaide.

Brown has overcome a virus and will replace Mitch Morton in the side.

The Crows have been forced into two changes. Jason Porplyzia misses with brain bruising after taking a heavy knock against Carlton last week, while Chris Knights picked up a hamstring injury in the same match.

Graham Johncock earns a recall after being declared up to muster by the leadership group, and Andy Otten will play just the second match of his career after being named on the bench.

Essendon have been forced to omit Damien Peverill for its match against West Coast. The Bomber veteran showed strong form against the Demons last week but has strained a gluteus muscle.

Heath Hocking will come in to play just his second game (and first for the season) while Courtenay Dempsey gets another opportunity after last playing against Geelong way back in round two.