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AAP
AAP
Justin Chadwick and Anna Harrington

Hawkins, Dangerfield bolster Cats for Gabba AFL clash

Patrick Dangerfield (L) and Tom Hawkins (R) will return for Geelong's clash with Brisbane. (Darren England/AAP PHOTOS)

Geelong's bid to topple the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba has been boosted by the return of Tom Hawkins and Patrick Dangerfield, while Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon and Fremantle's Matt Taberner have been given a spell.

Dangerfield (hamstring) has been sidelined since round three, while Hawkins and Jake Kolodjashnij were both managed for last week's win over North Melbourne.

But all three will return for Saturday night's clash with Brisbane as the Cats attempt to make it six straight wins to start the season.

"It's good news, we've got good availability at the moment," Geelong coach Chris Scott said.

"So in some ways selection was a challenge but at the risk of repeating myself, we almost never look at our team as what is the absolute best 22. "We think in the context of the overall year and the individual priorities in terms of management.

"So we'll play a different team this week with those guys coming back but there'll be a continual shuffle as the year goes on I suspect."

Connor O'Sullivan and Shannon Neale were dropped, while Zach Tuohy and Rhys Stanley were managed as part of Scott's shuffling plan.

Brisbane called up Jarryd Lyons to replace Zac Bailey, who is set to miss at least the next month with an ankle injury.

Port Adelaide spearhead Dixon battled a virus earlier this week, and has been rested for Saturday's match against Collingwood as part of a management plan.

Charlie Dixon.
Charlie Dixon takes a contested mark during Port's dramatic win over the Dockers. (Michael Errey/AAP PHOTOS)

His absence has helped pave the way for Jordon Sweet to make his Port debut, with the former Western Bulldogs big man to share the ruck load with Ivan Soldo.

Travis Boak will miss another week with a back injury.

The Magpies have named an unchanged side after Scott Pendlebury was able to overcome a rib injury.

Ladder leaders GWS were dealt two huge injury blows for their blockbuster against Carlton, with All-Australian defender Sam Taylor (concussion) and Stephen Coniglio (knee) both ruled out.

Veteran midfielder Callan Ward and defender Leek Aleer were recalled.

It will mark Kenya-born Aleer's first AFL appearance for 609 days after overcoming a run of persistent injuries.

The Blues lost Adam Saad and Mitch McGovern to hamstring injuries, with Lachie Cowan and Lewis Young called up to replace them.

West Coast have recalled premiership hero Dom Sheed (foot) for Saturday night's western derby against Fremantle, but Liam Ryan will be given another run in the WAFL.

The Dockers rested spearhead Matt Taberner to make room for the returning Sean Darcy.

Adelaide will be without Jordon Butts (hamstring) and Matt Crouch (suspended) for Friday night's clash with Essendon.

James Borlase and Lachlan Sholl come into the side.

The Bombers have called up young midfielder Elijah Tsatas to replace Jye Menzie (shoulder).

Cam Zurhaar will return for North Melbourne against Hawthorn on Sunday.

The Hawks have added Jack Gunston, Harry Morrison and Jai Serong to the extended bench.

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