The Brisbane Lions' injury crisis has deepened with co-captain Hugh McCluggage ruled out of the QClash against Gold Coast, who will unveil another academy product.

Jai Murray will debut for the Suns at People First Stadium on Saturday, with last year's No.17 draft pick joining fellow academy graduate Zeke Uwland as new faces this season.

The 19-year-old Murray was playing video games in his bedroom when coach Damien Hardwick arrived to give him the selection news this week.

"Jai has dealt with some adversity through injury, but ever since he walked into the club, even throughout his time in our academy, we've been thoroughly impressed with his work rate and his self drive," Hardwick said.

"He'll play some pieces of the game through midfield but also through wing.

"He's just a really, really smart football player and uses the ball really, really well. He wins the ball, he uses it well and defensively he steps in."

Will Graham (concussion) and Lachie Weller (hamstring) return from injuries to bolster fifth-placed Gold Coast (7-4), who host a Brisbane (6-6) outfit on the skids after three straight losses.

McCluggage (calf) joins Keidean Coleman (hamstring) going out of the Lions' side this week and requires scans on an injury sustained at training.

It means there are now more than a dozen players on Brisbane's injury list amid questions over their ability to contend for another flag after winning back-to-back premierships.

Also on Saturday, ladder leaders Fremantle will be without Brennan Cox (knee) and Matt Johnson (hamstring) for the clash with North Melbourne, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (calf) is still unavailable.

But Hayden Young has been named to return and Kangaroos young gun Finn O'Sullivan (concussion) is unavailable for the contest at Bunbury's Hands Oval.

West Coast recruit and two-time Brisbane premiership defender Brandon Starcevich will make his club debut for the Eagles against Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium.

First-year key forward Cooper Duff-Tytler returns for West Coast, while the Power welcome back Lachie Jones (concussion) but have lost Kane Farrell (adductor).

On Sunday, St Kilda could welcome back superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera against Sydney after several weeks out with a calf injury.

The Saints will make at least four changes for their trip to the SCG, where the high-flying Swans will be bolstered by the return of star pair Callum Mills and Brodie Grundy.

Bottom side Essendon have lost Darcy Parich (knee soreness) and Archie May (shoulder), but named Sam Durham (concussion) and Mason Redman (knee) to return against Carlton at the MCG.

The Blues picked defender Nic Newman despite a finger concern.

The King's Birthday blockbuster on Monday will feature two AFL debutants, with Collingwood's mid-season draftee Mitch Podhajski and Melbourne key forward Luker Kentfield both selected.