Norm Smith Medallist Luke Hodge has been named to return from injury in Hawthorn's crucial clash with Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.

Hodge, who has missed the past three weeks with a groin injury, returns into the 18 for the clash with the Swans despite being widely expected to be rested until after the mid-season break. The Hawks have also added Brent Renouf and Travis Tuck into their extended squad of 25 as they bid to get back into positive territory after winning just five of their first 10 matches of the season.

Sydney, which is also 5-5 and looking for its first away win of the season, has dropped Luke Ablett and brought in Ed Barlow, Craig Bird, Mike Pyke and Kristin Thornton.

But the big comeback story of the round is former Geelong midfielder Brent Prismall, who will play his first game since rupturing his ACL in last year's Qualifying Final, when he runs out for Essendon against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

After several impressive games in the VFL, the 22-year-old gets his chance, named in the 18, along with Courtenay Dempsey and Kyle Reimers, while Scott Lucas has been named on an extended bench along with possible debutant Tyson Slattery and Darcy Daniher. Henry Slattery (hamstring), Jason Winderlich (ankle) and Tom Bellchambers (knee) are all out through injury. Adelaide has included Brent Reilly, Jared Petrenko and James Sellar on an extended bench.

Terry Wallace's last match in charge of Richmond won't feature the man he brought to the club, Nathan Brown (groin) or youngsters Matthew White (hamstring) and Robin Nahas (quad). Mark Coughlan gets a recall for Friday night's clash against the Western Bulldogs, as do Jordan McMahon and Alex Rance.

The Bulldogs get back the versatile Robert Murphy after he missed two weeks, but lose key forward Scott Welsh through suspension.

St Kilda veteran defender Max Hudghton has been named to play against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, his first match for 2009, while Ben McEvoy has also been recalled for the unbeaten Saints with Michael Gardiner (suspended) and Sam Gilbert (ankle) out.

North Melbourne has wielded the axe with Levi Greenwood, Todd Goldstein, Daniel Harris and Aaron Edwards all omitted, and Sam Power, Daniel Pratt, Matt Campbell and Nathan Grima in.

Travis Johnstone's exile from the Brisbane team lasted just one round with the midfielder called in to replace Matt Austin for Saturday night's clash against Carlton