ESSENDON has upgraded mature-age recruit Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti to its senior list ahead of the Bombers' round one clash with Gold Coast.

Tiwi Islander McDonald-Tipungwuti, 22, has become a popular figure at Essendon after three seasons with the Dons' VFL side.

He was taken with pick No.22 in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.

The Bombers had the option of promoting a rookie as a replacement player following the loss of 12 listed players to WADA bans.

American ruckman Jason Holmes has been upgraded to St Kilda's senior list as a replacement player for the suspended Jake Carlisle.

The 26-year-old played three games late last season for the Saints after being recruited as an international rookie in 2014.

Gold Coast has promoted former West Coast player Ryan Davis to the senior list after placing talented midfielder David Swallow on the long-term injury list.

Davis, 26, played 14 games for the Eagles in 2008 and 2009 before being delisted.

He spent six seasons playing for Swan Districts in the WAFL before being rookie drafted by the Suns and has been elevated following some excellent form in the NAB Challenge.

The Eagles have placed injury-plagued key defender Mitch Brown on the long-term injury list after he damaged a finger during the NAB Challenge.

Brown is only expected to miss eight weeks, but with some other injury issues within the midfield group heading into the first month of the season, the Eagles have elevated midfielder Brant Colledge as cover.

Colledge, 21, has played three games in the past two seasons but has been a consistent ball-winner at WAFL level.

The Sydney Swans have placed Gary Rohan on the long-term injury list and have upgraded Tom Papley.

The 19-year-old has family connections to the club, as his two grandfathers Max Papley and Jeff Bray played for South Melbourne in the 1960s.