Watts and clever rebounding half-back Christian Salem have been recalled with the seventh-placed Demons needing to defeat the Pies to be sure of a finals berth.

Coach Simon Goodwin said both had shown good form with Casey in the VFL.

"Both have gone back to VFL footy and got themselves into really good form, so we're looking forward to getting those guys back into the team," he said.

Watts has spent the past two weeks in the VFL, impressing last weekend with 20 disposals, 12 marks and one goal.

He had been in excellent touch through the opening months of the AFL season, booting 13 goals in the first seven rounds, but a hamstring strain mid-season derailed his campaign. He managed only the one goal in three matches after returning to the senior side in round 18.

"Clearly, there's a lot of hysteria around Jack and how he's performing, (but) he's improving," Goodwin said. "His two games at VFL level show he's progressing and he's performing now to the level that we think is really appropriate."

Co-captain Jack Viney was again ruled out because of a foot problem which has left him on crutches and in doubt for the finals.

The Demons dropped Josh Wagner and Billy Stretch. The Magpies have also made two changes. Veteran defender Tyson Goldsack and ruckman Brodie Grundy, the latter having won a three-year contract extension, return, while Josh Smith and Jarryd Blair were axed.

On what will be an emotional Friday night with Luke Hodge, Bob Murphy and Matthew Boyd retiring, the Hawks have recalled Liam Shiels and will unveil debutant Harry Morrison, a medium-sized defender who was a fifth-round selection last year. Ryan Burton (foot) and Ricky Henderson (back) could not be considered.

Veteran Bulldog Boyd has not played at senior level since the round 16 loss to Adelaide due to an Achilles injury and mixed form.

"It's going to be pretty emotional night, because in the real world it's a very, very slim chance we can make the finals now. I don't usually leverage milestone games or sentiment around individuals. This week I think there's room to build that emotion around Bob and Matty Boyd," Dogs coach Luke Beveridge said.

The Dogs will blood Patrick Lipinski, pick 28 in last year's national draft who has shown promise at half-forward in the VFL.

The Gold Coast Suns have named Gary Ablett for what could be his last game with the expansion club. The dual Brownlow medallist has not played since round 20 because of a calf problem but the Suns are confident he will face Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

Caretaker coach Dean Solomon said a final call would be made on Friday when Ablett is again assessed.

North Melbourne, fighting to avoid the wooden spoon against Brisbane, have struggled to put a fit side together. The Roos have made five changes, with skipper Jack Ziebell (foot) and ruckman Braydon Preuss (shoulder) among those unavailable.

The Kangaroos will blood their 11th debutant, with Ben McKay, their first-round pick in the 2015 national draft, taking to the field. His form has improved since switching from attack to defence in recent weeks. Lachie Hansen and Lindsay Thomas return for what could be their final games for the club.

Jobe Watson is set to return for the Bombers in Sunday's must-win clash against Fremantle. Watson missed last week's win over Gold Coast with soreness.