Skipper Nathan van Berlo sustained a knock to the knee against Port Adelaide and will miss up to a month of football with bone bruising. Bernie Vince's selection as the substitute last weekend suggested he was on thin ice and another disappointing performance could be enough to see him dropped. Defender Brodie Smith is right in contention having returned to the main training group and Sanderson also has plenty of depth to look at in the SANFL. Midfielder Rory Laird continued his impressive form for West Adelaide with 27 touches, but forward Lewis Johnston was the standout slotting seven goals for North Adelaide. Tim McIntyre managed four goals for Sturt while Jarryd Lyons had 26 touches and eight clearances for Glenelg.
Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
After last week's win against the Suns, the Lions are not likely to make too many changes for Sunday's match against the Kangaroos. Jared Polec (ankle) looks like being the only casualty, which would give Patrick Karnezis another chance in the seniors after his surprise omission last week. Champion midfielder Simon Black (knee) will play his first game for the season in the reserves after a long lay-off and should be in contention for a senior recall in the following weeks.
Michael Whiting
CARLTON
The winless Blues have plenty of in-form players to consider for promotion from their VFL side, the Northern Blues, who enjoyed a whopping 164-point win over Bendigoon Saturday. Robert Warnock, who was best-afield with 51 hitouts, 20 touches and a goal, will be in contention to replace the injured Matthew Kreuzer. So too will Levi Casboult, who was an emergency for Carlton's clash with Geelong. Other possible selections include runners Tom Bell, Ed Curnow, Josh Bootsma and David Ellard, prized draftee Troy Menzel who kicked four goals, defender Jeremy Laidler who slotted three goals in a forward role, backman Nick Duigan and utility Simon White.
Ben Collins
With Matthew Kreuzer injured, the Blues will look to Robert Warnock against the Eagles. Picture: AFL Media
COLLINGWOOD
After the loss to Hawthorn on Sunday, Pies coach Nathan Buckley might look to inject some fresh legs into a side that looked stagnant in the second half. Josh Thomas and Paul Seedsman were both impressive in the VFL and, along with Brent Macaffer (who was first emergency for the Hawks game), appear likely to come in to selection calculations. Alan Didak (25 touches) and Andrew Krakouer (24) were typically creative with their ball use, but still might need another week of match conditioning before they return. Rookie Kyle Martin turned in another solid performance as he continues to push to be elevated to the primary list.
Ben Guthrie
ESSENDON
If Michael Hurley's wrist fails to come up for Essendon's clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the Bombers might consider promoting either Scott Gumbleton or Joe Daniher, who have been prominent in attack in the VFL. Prized draftee Daniher took 10 marks against Box Hill while the injury-prone Gumbleton outmarked veteran defender Brian Lake on several occasions. "Gumby' is ready," Bombers' VFL coach Skipworth told the Essendon website. "He is physically right, his skill, his touch, everything is really good at the moment so whenever his opportunity comes, and I am sure it will, I think he will perform well at AFL level.” Tayte Pears might also be on standby for veteran Dustin Fletcher (groin), while Leroy Jetta continues to impress in the midfield in the VFL.
Ben Collins
FREMANTLE
The Dockers have a couple of selection headaches ahead of their trip to Launceston to take on premiership favourites Hawthorn. With Luke McPharlin and Kepler Bradley suffering heavy knocks against Essendon both will be monitored closely. Zac Clarke has resumed training after a calf problem and may be closer to selection than first thought given the concerns over McPharlin and Bradley. Peter Faulks will also come into contention as a key defensive option. Pre-season draft selection Jack Hannath was close to playing round one and may come into calculations. Hayden Crozier remains on the fringes as well as he was desperately unlucky to miss against Essendon.
Important Eagle Matt Rosa could boost the Eagles against Carlton. Picture: AFL Media
After the loss to Hawthorn on Sunday, Pies coach Nathan Buckley might look to inject some fresh legs into a side that looked stagnant in the second half. Josh Thomas and Paul Seedsman were both impressive in the VFL and, along with Brent Macaffer (who was first emergency for the Hawks game), appear likely to come in to selection calculations. Alan Didak (25 touches) and Andrew Krakouer (24) were typically creative with their ball use, but still might need another week of match conditioning before they return. Rookie Kyle Martin turned in another solid performance as he continues to push to be elevated to the primary list.
Ben Guthrie
ESSENDON
If Michael Hurley's wrist fails to come up for Essendon's clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, the Bombers might consider promoting either Scott Gumbleton or Joe Daniher, who have been prominent in attack in the VFL. Prized draftee Daniher took 10 marks against Box Hill while the injury-prone Gumbleton outmarked veteran defender Brian Lake on several occasions. "Gumby' is ready," Bombers' VFL coach Skipworth told the Essendon website. "He is physically right, his skill, his touch, everything is really good at the moment so whenever his opportunity comes, and I am sure it will, I think he will perform well at AFL level.” Tayte Pears might also be on standby for veteran Dustin Fletcher (groin), while Leroy Jetta continues to impress in the midfield in the VFL.
Ben Collins
FREMANTLE
The Dockers have a couple of selection headaches ahead of their trip to Launceston to take on premiership favourites Hawthorn. With Luke McPharlin and Kepler Bradley suffering heavy knocks against Essendon both will be monitored closely. Zac Clarke has resumed training after a calf problem and may be closer to selection than first thought given the concerns over McPharlin and Bradley. Peter Faulks will also come into contention as a key defensive option. Pre-season draft selection Jack Hannath was close to playing round one and may come into calculations. Hayden Crozier remains on the fringes as well as he was desperately unlucky to miss against Essendon.
Alex Malcolm
GEELONG
The Cats are preparing for a tough clash against the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Friday night, and they need to replace midfielder Travis Varcoe, who is set for a long stint on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder last weekend against Carlton. Jordan Schroder and George Horlin-Smith were both among Geelong's best players in the VFL last weekend, while Cameron Guthrie got through unscathed after missing the first two rounds with a calf injury.
Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
There might be a selection squeeze on at the Suns for Saturday night's match against Port Adelaide, with a number of players coming back from injury. Defender Tom Murphy (shoulder) and Dion Prestia (hip) missed last weekend's loss against the Lions, but appear to have recovered and are likely to be selected. Ruckman Charlie Dixon is battling an Achilles problem. If he doesn't come up, key forward Tom Lynch looks a likely replacement after playing two games in the reserves on his comeback from a foot injury.
Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Unfortunately there is a vacancy in the GWS forward line due to Jonathon Patton's wretched luck. Fit and just starting to fire after last year's injury troubles, a torn ACL suffered against St Kilda has ruled him out for the season. The only positive for coach Kevin Sheedy is the opportunity now presented to others. Sam Frost, Adam Tomlinson, Nick Haynes and Andrew Phillips are among those putting their hands up for more senior football. Still lacking the necessary fitness, Setanta O'hAilpin is also on the right track, kicking five goals for the reserves over the weekend. Anthony Miles and Jacob Townsend are also pushing their claims, while rookie Kristian Jaksch is in good goalkicking form in the seconds.
James Dampney
HAWTHORN
Midfielder Brad Sewell will face a test on his injured hamstring ahead of Saturday's clash with Fremantle. He'll definitely come in if he's fit, but the big question will be whether the Hawks can find room for recruit Brian Lake. The key defender was good at VFL level on the weekend, along with the consistent Kyle Cheney. Shane Savage, dropped for Sunday's 55-point victory over Collingwood, also figured in Box Hill's best.
Mark Macgugan
MELBOURNE
Max Gawn has now played three games in the VFL and will be in contention. Three players from 2008 draft, Jack Watts, Sam Blease and James Strauss have reached crucial stages of their careers and would be a chance to return. Watts did not play last week, a mystifying decision, but could return. Blease was OK and Strauss, who has not played senior football this season, was good. Jimmy Toumpas might need to return to the VFL to find some touch and confidence. Dean Kent has been good in the VFL and will get a chance at some stage. Despite a scare, Rohan Bail appears to have escaped concussion although he is sure to be monitored during the week. Jordie McKenzie faces a test as he overcomes a calf issue but would be an automatic selection if fit.
Peter Ryan
NORTH MELBOURNE
Will Sierakowski and Majak Daw continue to put pressure on North's selectors and must be close to earning their AFL debuts. Sierakowski had 26 possessions and kicked three goals from a wing in Werribee's eight-point win over Collingwood's VFL team on Saturday night, while, after a rushed trip back from his emergency duties in Hobart, Daw took 11 marks and kicked a goal. Ben Jacobs bounced back from being dropped after round two, impressing in an inside midfield role in North Ballarat's nine-point loss to Casey on Saturday. Liam Anthony (knee) was a late withdrawal before North's loss to the Sydney Swans on Saturday and must pass a fitness test before being considered for selection.
GEELONG
The Cats are preparing for a tough clash against the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Friday night, and they need to replace midfielder Travis Varcoe, who is set for a long stint on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder last weekend against Carlton. Jordan Schroder and George Horlin-Smith were both among Geelong's best players in the VFL last weekend, while Cameron Guthrie got through unscathed after missing the first two rounds with a calf injury.
Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
There might be a selection squeeze on at the Suns for Saturday night's match against Port Adelaide, with a number of players coming back from injury. Defender Tom Murphy (shoulder) and Dion Prestia (hip) missed last weekend's loss against the Lions, but appear to have recovered and are likely to be selected. Ruckman Charlie Dixon is battling an Achilles problem. If he doesn't come up, key forward Tom Lynch looks a likely replacement after playing two games in the reserves on his comeback from a foot injury.
Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Unfortunately there is a vacancy in the GWS forward line due to Jonathon Patton's wretched luck. Fit and just starting to fire after last year's injury troubles, a torn ACL suffered against St Kilda has ruled him out for the season. The only positive for coach Kevin Sheedy is the opportunity now presented to others. Sam Frost, Adam Tomlinson, Nick Haynes and Andrew Phillips are among those putting their hands up for more senior football. Still lacking the necessary fitness, Setanta O'hAilpin is also on the right track, kicking five goals for the reserves over the weekend. Anthony Miles and Jacob Townsend are also pushing their claims, while rookie Kristian Jaksch is in good goalkicking form in the seconds.
James Dampney
HAWTHORN
Midfielder Brad Sewell will face a test on his injured hamstring ahead of Saturday's clash with Fremantle. He'll definitely come in if he's fit, but the big question will be whether the Hawks can find room for recruit Brian Lake. The key defender was good at VFL level on the weekend, along with the consistent Kyle Cheney. Shane Savage, dropped for Sunday's 55-point victory over Collingwood, also figured in Box Hill's best.
Mark Macgugan
MELBOURNE
Max Gawn has now played three games in the VFL and will be in contention. Three players from 2008 draft, Jack Watts, Sam Blease and James Strauss have reached crucial stages of their careers and would be a chance to return. Watts did not play last week, a mystifying decision, but could return. Blease was OK and Strauss, who has not played senior football this season, was good. Jimmy Toumpas might need to return to the VFL to find some touch and confidence. Dean Kent has been good in the VFL and will get a chance at some stage. Despite a scare, Rohan Bail appears to have escaped concussion although he is sure to be monitored during the week. Jordie McKenzie faces a test as he overcomes a calf issue but would be an automatic selection if fit.
Peter Ryan
NORTH MELBOURNE
Will Sierakowski and Majak Daw continue to put pressure on North's selectors and must be close to earning their AFL debuts. Sierakowski had 26 possessions and kicked three goals from a wing in Werribee's eight-point win over Collingwood's VFL team on Saturday night, while, after a rushed trip back from his emergency duties in Hobart, Daw took 11 marks and kicked a goal. Ben Jacobs bounced back from being dropped after round two, impressing in an inside midfield role in North Ballarat's nine-point loss to Casey on Saturday. Liam Anthony (knee) was a late withdrawal before North's loss to the Sydney Swans on Saturday and must pass a fitness test before being considered for selection.
Nick Bowen
Majak Daw must be close to making his senior debut this weekend. Picture: AFL Media
PORT ADELAIDE
It's hard to see the Power making too many changes after another stunning performance to down Adelaide, especially with such a small injury list. Kane Mitchell was demoted back to the rookie list despite his solid form with Nick Salter recovering from his latest foot injury. Forward Robbie Gray is edging closer to a return after booting another three goals in the SANFL. Former captain Dom Cassisi also contributed for the Bloods with 21 disposals, while young gun Sam Colquhoun managed 22 disposals and 10 marks for Central District. Cameron Hitchcock was the pick of the small forwards in Port Adelaide's narrow win over Glenelg with four goals.
Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Jake Batchelor was a late withdrawal after developing calf soreness early last week but his omission on game day had more to do with a lack of tall match ups against the Bulldogs. Chris Knights came in for his first Richmond game and had 15 disposals and kicked a goal before being subbed at three-quarter time. Nick Vlastuin didn't play VFL as he was held over as an AFL emergency but Robin Nahas did and was Coburg's best in its 100-point loss to Williamstown. David Astbury played his first game after a foot issue but hyperextended his knee. He was able to come back on and had 14 disposals for the game.
Jennifer Phelan
ST KILDA
The Saints could be tempted to recall Tom Hickey to support Ben McEvoy against a strong Essendon ruck division this week, rather than relying on defenders Rhys Stanley and Jason Blake. Hickey returned from a minor foot injury with Sandringham at the weekend where midfielder Sam Dunell was impressive and forward Trent Dennis-Lane kicked three goals. Tom Simpkin was also in action for the Zebras and could be considered for his first game of the season, while Arryn Siposs is expected to be available after he was a late withdrawal against the Giants.
Nathan Schmook
SYDNEY SWANS
Rhyce Shaw's abdominal strain, which club doctors have described as a rare and unusual injury, will keep him sidelined for at least one more week. But the rest of the side that tamed North Melbourne got through unscathed. The usual suspects are waiting in the wings hoping for an opening, including Mitch Morton, who slammed through 11 goals in the reserves' 197-point thrashing of Tuggeranong in the NEAFL. Tommy Walsh added seven goals on hisreturn from injury, while Jed Lamb continues to impress this season and is doing all he can to force his way into the senior side for the first time. Jesse White dominated in the ruck for the second, while rookies Tim Membrey, Harrison Marsh and Brandon Jack were also among the goals and are showing good development.
James Dampney
WEST COAST
Big news at West Coast with the likely returns of both Eric Mackenzie and Matt Rosa. Mackenzie missed both the Hawthorn and Melbourne matches with a hamstring issue, whilst Rosa hasn't played since the pre-season having suffered from compartment syndrome in his right thigh. It is timely given the Eagles have lost both Andrew Embley and Beau Waters for several weeks. Bradd Dalziell was best on the ground for East Fremantle in the WAFL having been dropped by the Eagles following their loss to Hawthorn. He may well come into contention. Pat McGinnity returned through the WAFL last week but still may need another run before being considered by West Coast.
It's hard to see the Power making too many changes after another stunning performance to down Adelaide, especially with such a small injury list. Kane Mitchell was demoted back to the rookie list despite his solid form with Nick Salter recovering from his latest foot injury. Forward Robbie Gray is edging closer to a return after booting another three goals in the SANFL. Former captain Dom Cassisi also contributed for the Bloods with 21 disposals, while young gun Sam Colquhoun managed 22 disposals and 10 marks for Central District. Cameron Hitchcock was the pick of the small forwards in Port Adelaide's narrow win over Glenelg with four goals.
Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Jake Batchelor was a late withdrawal after developing calf soreness early last week but his omission on game day had more to do with a lack of tall match ups against the Bulldogs. Chris Knights came in for his first Richmond game and had 15 disposals and kicked a goal before being subbed at three-quarter time. Nick Vlastuin didn't play VFL as he was held over as an AFL emergency but Robin Nahas did and was Coburg's best in its 100-point loss to Williamstown. David Astbury played his first game after a foot issue but hyperextended his knee. He was able to come back on and had 14 disposals for the game.
Jennifer Phelan
ST KILDA
The Saints could be tempted to recall Tom Hickey to support Ben McEvoy against a strong Essendon ruck division this week, rather than relying on defenders Rhys Stanley and Jason Blake. Hickey returned from a minor foot injury with Sandringham at the weekend where midfielder Sam Dunell was impressive and forward Trent Dennis-Lane kicked three goals. Tom Simpkin was also in action for the Zebras and could be considered for his first game of the season, while Arryn Siposs is expected to be available after he was a late withdrawal against the Giants.
Nathan Schmook
SYDNEY SWANS
Rhyce Shaw's abdominal strain, which club doctors have described as a rare and unusual injury, will keep him sidelined for at least one more week. But the rest of the side that tamed North Melbourne got through unscathed. The usual suspects are waiting in the wings hoping for an opening, including Mitch Morton, who slammed through 11 goals in the reserves' 197-point thrashing of Tuggeranong in the NEAFL. Tommy Walsh added seven goals on hisreturn from injury, while Jed Lamb continues to impress this season and is doing all he can to force his way into the senior side for the first time. Jesse White dominated in the ruck for the second, while rookies Tim Membrey, Harrison Marsh and Brandon Jack were also among the goals and are showing good development.
James Dampney
WEST COAST
Big news at West Coast with the likely returns of both Eric Mackenzie and Matt Rosa. Mackenzie missed both the Hawthorn and Melbourne matches with a hamstring issue, whilst Rosa hasn't played since the pre-season having suffered from compartment syndrome in his right thigh. It is timely given the Eagles have lost both Andrew Embley and Beau Waters for several weeks. Bradd Dalziell was best on the ground for East Fremantle in the WAFL having been dropped by the Eagles following their loss to Hawthorn. He may well come into contention. Pat McGinnity returned through the WAFL last week but still may need another run before being considered by West Coast.
Alex Malcolm
Important Eagle Matt Rosa could boost the Eagles against Carlton. Picture: AFL Media
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Jake Stringer is certainly in the box seat to debut this week, after his five goal haul in Williamstown's 100 point win over Coburg on Saturday. In fact, he was so red-hot, four of his goals were consecutive as he blitzed the third quarter. Jackson Macrae also made strides, with some impressive work in the midfield. Mark Austin and Lukas Markovic held up the defensive end in the win, and could also be considered for selection to replace Easton Wood. The door is certainly open at the Bulldogs this week, with injuries to Shaun Higgins, Tory Dickson and Wood forcing at least three changes.
Jacqui Reed
Jake Stringer is certainly in the box seat to debut this week, after his five goal haul in Williamstown's 100 point win over Coburg on Saturday. In fact, he was so red-hot, four of his goals were consecutive as he blitzed the third quarter. Jackson Macrae also made strides, with some impressive work in the midfield. Mark Austin and Lukas Markovic held up the defensive end in the win, and could also be considered for selection to replace Easton Wood. The door is certainly open at the Bulldogs this week, with injuries to Shaun Higgins, Tory Dickson and Wood forcing at least three changes.
Jacqui Reed
