Yarran has been dropped for what the Blues say is failure to adhere to club standards in punctuality. The highly skilled Yarran was late to meetings on what the club said was "a number of occasions last week".

Kreuzer, who was close to playing last weekend and performed well in the VFL, has been sorely missed with a major foot injury that has kept him out for early rounds. The Blues also regain skipper Marc Murphy and his predecessor Chris Judd, both of whom were out injured last week, and have dropped recruit and key forward Liam Jones. Dale Thomas, who suffered a toe injury, is the third player out from the team that showed improved spirit but was outclassed by the Swans.

Caretaker coach John Barker, who assumed the reins from Mick Malthouse last week, said Yarran, 24, had not adhered to the club's standards.

"Chris is an outstanding person and player for our football club, but he hasn't got some things right around punctuality this week," Barker said in a statement.

"He will learn from this and we fully expect him to be back playing some good football for us soon."

Kreuzer will share ruck duties with Cameron Wood, with Robbie Warnock remaining in the VFL. Levi Casboult can also provide ruck support, but will be needed forward in the absence of Jones.

In other selection news, the Western Bulldogs have lost Marcus Bontempelli because of an adductor injury but added Jake Stringer and Stewart Crameri to the team that will play Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

Liam Picken has been sidelined by a hamstring strain, while Toby McLean, the Bulldogs' first pick in last year's draft, will become the club's fourth debutant this year.

The Power have kept Sam Gray in their side ahead of fellow rookie Nathan Krakouer, who has been moved back to the rookie list.

The club had to drop Krakouer back because draftee Billy Frampton, who had been on the long term injury list, is ready to play again. Port will be able to promote Krakouer again after round 12, under the mid-season rookie elevation rule. He was replaced in the side by Aaron Young.

North Melbourne has so far dropped just two players from the side that folded to Collingwood last week, with youngsters Luke McDonald and Kayne Turner both left out.

Captain Andrew Swallow returns, with potential inclusions Ben Jacobs, Mason Wood, Majak Daw and Scott McMahon named in the extended squad to play West Coast.

No.8 draft pick Peter Wright will make his debut in the Gold Coast forward line, replacing the suspended Charlie Dixon. Andrew Raines and Matt Shaw also return.

Injured Essendon pair Jobe Watson and Dustin Fletcher were replaced with James Gwilt and Elliott Kavanagh, with small forward Orazio Fantasia in for the omitted Jackson Merrett.

The Bombers play Geelong on Saturday night, with the Cats recalling Josh Walker in place of Mitch Clark, who has an injured calf.

Adelaide strengthened their side for the clash with Carlton, with Rory Sloane returning from a cheekbone injury and Brodie Smith back after suffering concussion.

The Crows lost young defender Jake Lever because of an ankle injury, with Kyle Hartigan taking his place.

The injury-ravaged Brisbane Lions could play three debutants in Sunday's game against GWS, with Hugh Beasley picked to play and Josh Clayton and Josh McGuinness named on the extended bench.

Pearce Hanley will play his first game for the season, with Sam Mayes also back in the side. The Lions will be without James Aish (jaw), Ryan Harwood (concussion), Claye Beams (knee), Tom Rockliff (ribs) and Jed Adcock (calf).

Talented Giants Academy player Jack Steele may also play his first game for the club after being named on the bench. The Giants took Steele with a second round pick in last year's draft, matching North Melbourne's bid of pick 15.