Star defender Luke Preece will play his first game of the season when Drysdale hosts Modewarre at Mortimer Oval.
The Werribee-listed Preece has been battling a leg injury since the pre-season.
The Hawks also welcome back Ricky Reid after five weeks on the sidelines, while Western Jets listed Ollie Castro will make his debut for the club.
Castro, who represented Vic Metro at under-16 level last year, kicked 23 goals from 12 senior games with Western League club Spotswood.
Quinn Taylor, George Christofi, and Luke Chapman have been omitted.
The Warriors get back Paddy Fitzgerald, who replaces key defender Jordan Harrison.
Torquay will debut teenager Charlie Montebello among three changes for the Battle of the Breaks clash with Barwon Heads at APCO Cafe 24/7 Oval.
It will be the first time Charlie, who represented Vic Country at under-16 level, has played alongside his brother Will.
The Tigers have also included fellow Geelong Falcon Van Rahilly and the experienced Max Hurley.
They replace Travis Boak (work), Reef Page (shoulder) and Cohen Emmerson.
The Seagulls have also settled on three changes.
James Syddall (face), Harry Hyland (foot) and Oliver Poon (unavailable) have been replaced by Lachie Blacket, Marley Cornell, and Charley Donohue.
Queenscliff will be without talented duo Lachie Kidd and Jordy McIvor-Clark for its mouthwatering meeting with reigning premier Anglesea at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve.
Both have minor injuries and are expected to return for next week’s trip to Modewarre.
Max Scott returns after missing the past three weeks, while Isaac McCabe will play his first senior game since last year’s semi-final loss to the Roos.
Among Anglesea’s inclusions are two-time Bellarine interleague representative Seb Kent.
Kent has played three reserve grade games since making his return after a five-year absence from the game.
He last played at BFNL senior level with Barwon Heads in 2021.
Playing coach Sam Scott and former Geelong West gun Pat Eastman are among three inclusions for Portarlington as it prepares to take on Ocean Grove at Steeline Ray Menzies Oval.
Harry Sedgman is a surprise inclusion, having been cleared back to the Demons from Northern league club Hurstbridge.
They replace former captain Stephen Walton (collarbone), former Grovedale defender Nathan McHugh (back) and Matt Fromholtz.
An injury-depleted Surf Coast has lodged nine changes for its clash with Newcomb at Plastercom Oval.
Among the missing are former AFL players Aaron Black and Ross Young, Geelong VFL train-on defender Eddie Weeks, and the talented Tommy Stephen.
However, Luke Cartelli is back and former Brisbane Lions rookie Phil Smith is set to make his first appearance.
Silver Yousif, who spent last year with Great Western, and started 2026 with WA Goldfields club Mines Rovers, has been named to make his Suns debut, as has South Barwon recruit Will Martin.
Geelong Amateur has the bye.
More to come
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