Magpies eye firepower for Bulldogs clash

Collingwood have loaded up on scoring options in a bid to end their forward line
doldrums in Sunday's crunch AFL game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
The Magpies named crumbers Leon Davis and Paul Medhurst to play in the clash between
third and fifth and will on Friday decide whether big men Josh Fraser and Leigh
Brown, along with utility Tarkyn Lockyer, join them.
Davis and Medhurst were named after overcoming respective calf and foot injuries,
while Brown, Fraser and Lockyer were named on the bench in an expanded squad after
stints in the VFL.
Collingwood struggled for a presence in attack last week when overrun by the
Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, and the previous week managed just six goals in the
heavy loss to Geelong.
The inclusion of Davis and Medhurst means the Magpies will hope to get a speedier
forward set-up, as full-forward John Anthony was dropped for the third time this
season after having little impact against the Lions.
Veteran midfielder Shane O'Bree was also axed, for the second time this campaign.
The Bulldogs named a side minus veteran Jason Akermanis, whose discipline this week
means he will serve time in the VFL once he recovers from his hamstring injury.
The Bulldogs will also be without tall defender Ryan Hargrave, who has an ankle injury.
St Kilda dropped fullback Zac Dawson for Friday night's game against Richmond at
Etihad Stadium and recalled Jarryn Geary.
Richmond will bid farewell to big man Troy Simmonds, who was recalled with fullback
Will Thursfield, but key-position player Graham Polak was dropped and defender
Kelvin Moore is out with a leg injury.
Geelong will rest forward Tom Hawkins (soreness), so named Dawson Simpson as back-up
ruckman to play West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.
The Eagles dropped experienced duo Quinten Lynch and Mark Nicoski, along with
Patrick McGinnity, following the loss to Carlton.
They recalled Mitchell Brown, Bradd Dalziell and Lewis Stevenson.
Carlton are stronger for Saturday's game against Melbourne at the MCG through the
returns of the versatile Jarrad Waite, back after suspension, and Ryan Houlihan, who
has overcome a hamstring injury.
But the Blues denied midfielder Brock McLean a clash against his old side when they
dropped the former Demon, along with Lachie Henderson.
Melbourne recalled young guns Tom Scully and Jack Trengove after both were rested
last weekend, and forward Matthew Bate has overcome an ankle injury.
The Demons axed Matthew Warnock, Joel Macdonald and Austin Wonaeamirri after being
thrashed by Geelong.