ESSENDON midfielder Jobe Watson has been forced out of Sunday’s match against Sydney because of a bruised back.

And the Swans have been buoyed by the return of Nick Malceski, less than three months after having a knee reconstruction.

Luke Ablett is also back for the harbour team.

The Pies have lost Josh Fraser but regain Anthony Rocca, while the Saints have a huge out with Nick Reiwoldt (knee), along with three teammates, including tagger Steven Baker, also to a knee.

Geelong loses Cameron Stokes to suspension, but has Gary Ablett as an able replacement. For the Tigers, talls Graham Polak and Joel Bowden return after good showings in the VFL last week.

The Hawks' Luke Hodge has been felled by a hamstring, but Chance Bateman slots in nicely, while over at Port Adelaide, they've made no changes from the team that belted Essendon last fortnight.

On the Gold Coast, Josh Gibson is back from a knee injury and Alan Obst is set to make his AFL debut for the Kangaroos. For West Coast, Matt Priddis makes his long-awaited return from his round three knee injury, while Ryan Davis joins Obst in playing at the top level for the first time.

Melbourne has elevated rookie Shane Valenti who will debut on Sunday against Adelaide, while injury has forced Brent Reilly out of the Crows initial squad of 25.

Carlton gets Cain Ackland into the side for his first game of the season, while Brisbane has a handful returning, including Jonathon Brown and Simon Black. Blues Nick Stevens and Brendan Fevola play their 200th and 150th matches respectively.

The Bulldogs haven't made any changes to their team after the win over Sydney, while Fremantle has made a plethora of changes, but importantly get Roger Hayden back to provide some run out of defence.