TRAVIS Cloke returns to the Collingwood line-up for Saturday’s blockbuster match against Carlton, but Heath Shaw is a notable absentee - the important defender missing for the second week running with a back injury.

Coach Mick Malthouse was cagy about the inclusion of Cloke earlier in the week despite his availability following a two-game suspension, but the key forward takes the place of Tarkyn Lockyer who is an emergency along with Josh Fraser and Simon Buckley.

Blues’ forward Brad Fisher will play his first game of the season after undergoing LARS knee surgery late in the pre-season. Fisher’s inclusion is the only change for Carlton who dropped David Ellard to make room.

Essendon takes on St Kilda to kick off the round on Friday night with the Bombers regaining influential big man David Hille as well as Sam Lonergan. Jason Winderlich is out with a hand injury while Leroy Jetta has been dropped.

The Saints' 2008 first-round draft pick Tom Lynch will make his AFL debut with Andrew McQualter making way.

Former Saint Xavier Clarke will play his first match for the Brisbane Lions as Michael Voss searches for a winning formula when his team takes on Melbourne.

Clarke has played two matches for the Lions’ reserves since overcoming a serious knee injury but on Saturday night will play his first game at the elite level since September 2008.

He joins champion midfielder Simon Black, Ash McGrath and Cheynee Stiller among the inclusions.

Melbourne regains skipper James McDonald, the Demons making just one change to the team that belted the Sydney Swans last week.

Geelong has regained Tom Hawkins, Shannon Byrnes and called in fellow big man Trent West - but dumped Mark Blake.

Hawkins returns following a foot injury but has played two matches at VFL level.

The Cats have lost Jimmy Bartel (ankle) and James Podsiadly (soreness) for their trip to ANZ Stadium to take on the Sydney Swans.

However it is Blake’s omission that may shock many. He had an average game against the Brisbane Lions last week and the Cats have sent a message to their premiership ruckman, who will return to the VFL in a bid to regain his best form.

Somewhat surprisingly, Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos has decided to stick with the same 22 that was mauled by Melbourne last week, giving his men the chance to redeem themselves against the reigning premier on Saturday night.

The Western Bulldogs will unveil debutant Liam Jones when they host North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Jones, the No.32 pick in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, has been named at centre half-forward against the Kangas and is the only confirmed inclusion for Rodney Eade’s team, which has lost Callan Ward (hip).

North Melbourne will also make changes. Scott McMahon, Lindsay Thomas and Sam Wright will all return, while Marcus White and Brayden Norris are a chance to line up in their first AFL matches should they make the final 22.

Chris Tarrant, David Mundy and debutant Justin Bollenhagen go straight into Fremantle’s starting 18 to face the Eagles while Michael Walters and Kepler Bradley have been added to an expanded bench.

Rhys Palmer is out with a shoulder injury and Clancee Pearce departs with a knee complaint.

West Coast loses Adam Selwood to a shoulder injury and Ashton Hams to suspension ahead of the local derby with Brett Jones, Patrick McGinnity, Ben McKinley, Tom Swift and Callum Wilson all appearing on a seven-man bench.