GOOD news for North Melbourne this week, with skipper Adam Simpson returning to the side that takes on Carlton on Sunday.

Simpson was a late withdrawal from the last two matches with a hip injury, but returns this week, along with tall Leigh Brown. Brown is in to cover the loss of full-forward Nathan Thompson, who has to an ankle injury, while Ed Lower has made way for the skipper.

Carlton has made no changes to the team that smashed Port Adelaide last week.

Star forward Nathan Brown is out of Richmond's side for its clash with the Hawks at the MCG in the early game on Sunday with a hip injury. He departs the line-up defeated by the Crows last week, as does Adam Pattison (back) and Jake King (omitted).

Jay Schulz goes straight into the starting 18 while Daniel Connors and Tristan Cartledge have also been included. Cartledge will play his first game for Richmond after being elevated from the rookie list earlier this week to fill the vacancy caused by moving Kane Pettifer on to the long term injury list.

Hawthorn has dropped Cameron Stokes from the side that outclassed the Brisbane Lions to make way for Michael Osborne, who returns from a corked buttock.

Fremantle tangle with the Saints at Subiaco to wrap up the round, and they welcome Jeff Farmer (suspension) and Antoni Grover back into the side to replace rugged midfielder Josh Carr (groin) and Chris Tarrant (shoulder surgery).

St Kilda has made two changes – Aaron Fiora (suspension) and Jarryn Geary are out, replaced by Raphael Clarke and Charlie Gardiner.