Along with recalling Johnson from an Achilles injury, the Bulldogs selected Shaun Higgins (calf-thyroid) and Easton Wood (hamstring) to return for tomorrow night's qualifying final against Collingwood at the MCG.

They also kept Griffen, who badly bruised a knee against Essendon last round, in their 22.

Will Minson was recalled to replace injured ruckman Jordan Roughead, with Brodie Moles, Andrejs Everitt and Liam Jones the three players dropped.

The Magpies also regained some key players, with classy midfielder-forward Alan Didak back from a shoulder injury, in an important boost, after he starred in Collingwood's two wins over the Dogs this season.

Defender Ben Johnson returned from illness, while Leigh Brown was straight back in the side after a one-match suspension, at the expense of ruck veteran Josh Fraser.

Experienced full-back Simon Prestigiacomo, who might have lined up on Barry Hall, was not included, and will miss his third match since injuring his thigh against Essendon in round 20.

St Kilda included tagger Steven Baker for tonight's clash with Geelong, meaning he can renew his rivalry with Cats forward Steve Johnson.

Baker has been out since being suspended for nine games over numerous incidents involving Johnson in round 13.

Small forwards Stephen Milne and Adam Schneider returned from injury, in important inclusions after they were key players in the Saints' mid-season win over the Cats.

Geelong was significantly strengthened, with tough midfielder Joel Selwood and talented half-back Corey Enright, both late withdrawals against West Coast last round, returning from injury, while Josh Hunt is back from suspension.

Hawthorn vice-captain Luke Hodge's return from a knee injury was his club's only change for tomorrow's Subiaco elimination final against Fremantle, at the expense of Rhan Hooper (soreness).

The Dockers were hit by the loss of forward Hayden Ballantyne (foot), and dropped Paul Hasleby and Jay van Berlo.

Sydney named Shane Mumford (knee), Tadhg Kennelly (knee) and Dan Hannebery (hamstring) to return from injury in their 25-man squad to play Carlton at ANZ Stadium in an elimination final on Sunday.

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