BRODIE Grundy has been thrown a lifeline and will return to Melbourne's team for the first time in five weeks, while Collingwood has recalled Will Hoskin-Elliott and Billy Frampton for Friday night's blockbuster against Geelong.

And in other round 22 team news, Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has swung a surprise by dropping second-year star Josh Rachele to the substitute role for its match against Brisbane at the Gabba.

Grundy will play for the first time since being dropped following the win over St Kilda in round 17 as coach Simon Goodwin searches for answers to fill the hole left by the injured Harrison Petty.