The Lions lost Harris Andrews, Keidean Coleman, Callum Ah Chee and Dan McStay to the AFL's health and safety protocols, while Dayne Zorko (hamstring), Daniel Rich (hamstring), Jarrod Berry (hamstring) and Jaxon Prior (quad) were ruled out with injury.
Cockatoo hasn't featured for the Lions since round four, but the mass changes have opened the door for the former Cat to stake a claim on a permanent berth in the side.
Mitch Robinson, Tom Fullarton, Harry Sharp, Darcy Fort, and Ryan Lester were also named along with debutant Carter Michael, who was taken as a Lions Academy selection last year.
Essendon suffered a late blow when star midfielder Darcy Parish was ruled out with another calf injury.
Although the latest setback is in a different area to the recent corked calf, it's set to rule him out for a month.
The Bombers have recalled Andrew McGrath and ruckman Andrew Phillips, with the axe falling on former Crow Jake Kelly.
Adelaide have recalled Matt Crouch for Sunday's match against Hawthorn following the veteran midfielder's strong form in the SANFL.
Crouch tallied 42 and 41 disposals in his past two VFL matches to earn a recall.
"He couldn't have done more, and that's exactly what we asked of him," Crows coach Matthew Nicks said.
"He has done an amazing job and went back into the SANFL and performed."
Crows forward Shane McAdam was forced out with an ankle injury, while Josh Rachele (hip) and Mitchell Hinge (health and safety protocols) also go out.
Small forward Ned McHenry and defender Will Hamill return alongside Crouch.
The Hawks welcome back skipper Ben McEvoy from a neck fracture.
Denver Grainger-Barras, Josh Ward, Finn Maginness and Josh Morris are also among the inclusions.
Hawks forward Jack Gunston will miss the match after the mid-week death of his father while midfielder James Worpel (shoulder), defender Lachlan Bramble (back), Sam Butler (shin) and Will Day (suspended) go out.
West Coast have been boosted by the return of veteran forward Josh Kennedy for Sunday's match against Carlton.
Defender Harry Edwards replaces Elliot Yeo (hamstring), while Connor West goes out with an achilles tendon issue.
Carlton welcome back star defender Jacob Weitering and forward Matthew Owies.
Josh Honey and Brodie Kemp were omitted from the side.
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