VFL fans will get an unexpected treat this Sunday when Nick Riewoldt lines up for Sandringham against a Robert Murphy-led Williamstown.

The two AFL stars have had injury-affected pre-seasons and have been granted permission to line up for their club’s VFL affiliates to gain some match fitness before the Toyota AFL Premiership Season commences.

Collingwood pair Anthony Rocca and Paul Medhurst are two other big names who will also get a run this week when they suit up for Collingwood’s VFL team against the Bendigo Bombers at Gosch’s Paddock at 4.30pm on Friday.

Riewoldt’s St Kilda teammates Steven Baker, Raphael Clarke, Matt Maguire, Xavier Clarke and Adam Schneider will join him at the Zebras while Scott Welsh, Cameron Wight and Wayde Skipper will line up with Murphy for Williamstown.

In Queensland, key Brisbane Lions Jamie Charman and Daniel Merrett have also been sent for some game time with Aspley in their clash with Morningside at Coorporoo on Saturday.

The Sydney Swans’ ACTAFL side in Canberra will benefit from the services of Matt Laidlaw, Canadian rugby convert Mike Pyke and Ryan Brabazon.

In the west, Eagles Adam Hunter, Brad Ebert and Matt Rosa and Freo’s Garrick Ibbotson have been sent for a run in the WAFL.

Power and Crows fans can also track how their players are tracking this weekend with Adelaide’s key forward Jason Porplyzia, exciting youngster Patrick Dangerfield and ruckman Jonathan Griffin making SANFL appearances.

For Port Adelaide, defenders Tom Logan and Matthew Broadbent and future prospect Marlon Motlop will try to get some miles in the legs.