ADELAIDE
Patrick Dangerfield has been "all but" ruled out of Sunday's clash against Geelong due to a strained AC joint in his shoulder. Injury clouds also hang over Scott Thompson (groin) and Jared Petrenko (concussion). The story of the SANFL weekend was the display from key forward Lewis Johnston. 'LJ' racked up 29 disposals, booted three goals and managed 17 hit-outs in his second game back from a serious knee injury. The performance offers coach Brenton Sanderson plenty to think about, as do the successful returns from injury by Sam Kerridge (29 touches, one goal), Brodie Martin (14, one goal) and Sam Shaw (eight touches in defence). Luke Thompson was amongst his side's best, as was Ian Callinan with 21 disposals and a goal. - Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
All eyes will be on midfield pair Brent Moloney (calf) and Simon Black (groin) this week. The pair missed last weekend's win over North Melbourne and have to prove their fitness at training this week to be considered for Saturday night's match against Melbourne in Darwin. Jack Crisp continues to impress in the reserves, while Jesse O'Brien, Sam Docherty and Elliot Yeo are also putting their hands up for senior recalls. - Michael Whiting
CARLTON
Blues joint vice-captain Kade Simpson said on Monday that veteran forward Jarrad Waite is an outside chance to return for another must-win clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Waite missed his side's victory against St Kilda with bone bruising to his left knee and had been expected to be sidelined for at least another week. Blues veteran Heath Scotland (hip) and youngster JoshBootsma (hamstring) are available while Mitch Robinson (shoulder) faces alate-week fitness test for the must-win clash with North Melbourne at EtihadStadium on Friday night. The club's VFL affiliate had a bye but among thepotential candidates for elevation are youngsters Nick Graham and Troy Menzel,defender Simon White and forwards Levi Casboult and Jeremy Laidler. - BenCollins
COLLINGWOOD
Don't expect Collingwood to make too many changes to the side that accounted for Adelaide. However, the Pies will need to find a replacement for Clinton Young, who is expected to be sidelined for up to four weeks with a hamstring injury. Ben Kennedy may find his way back in to the line-up after making room for Dayne Beams' return. Tyson Goldsack and Lachlan Keeffe – who are both coming off long-term injuries – are the other players most likely pressing for a call-up. - Ben Guthrie
ESSENDON
The Bombers could be forced into a few changes with some bodies sore after the weekend's win over the Western Bulldogs. David Zaharakis will be tested for his back injury as will Dustin Fletcher after copping a heavy bump late in the game. Both will need to overcome tests to play the Giants. There's some depth in the VFL, though. Leroy Jetta and Nathan Lovett-Murray are edging closer to games, and so is Elliott Kavanagh. Stewart Crameri should be back from his ankle injury and could see a key position reshuffle. - Callum Twomey
Forward Stewart Crameri is in the mix to return for the Bombers. Picture: AFL Media
FREMANTLE
The Dockers will have at least one forced change this week with Matthew Pavlich suspended for three matches. The like-for-like replacement is Matt Taberner, who didn't play at all last weekend due to Peel having a bye in the WAFL. Peter Faulks could also come in and play in defence, allowing Alex Silvagni to be swung forward. Paul Duffield has recovered from a calf injury while Nic Suban was a late withdrawal from the derby and both are in the best 22. Duffield hasn't played since round 14 against Geelong but Ross Lyon suggested he should come straight in. Suban's fitness is unknown at this stage. Clancee Pearce was heavily concussed against the Eagles and may need to pass several tests to play against Richmond. - Alex Malcolm
GEELONG
The Cats are likely to bring Joel Corey and Corey Enright back into their team to play Adelaide at AAMI Stadium this weekend. Corey missed last weekend's win over Melbourne due to concussion, while Enright was sidelined by a foot problem that has troubled him for 18 months. Ruckman Nathan Vardy is also available after recovering from a bout of concussion he suffered in the VFL, while fellow big man Trent West was among the best players when Geelong's VFL team last took to the field. Mathew Stokes (groin) and Allen Christensen (hamstring) remain in doubt. - Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
After five weeks on the sidelines with the recurrence of an ankle injury, Charlie Dixon has been cleared to play this weekend. After playing once in two months, he is likely to come back through the reserves, but could be used at a pinch by Guy McKenna against Collingwood at Metricon Stadium on Saturday. Daniel Gorringe has overcome a shoulder injury and is available. Meanwhile, after 14 months out of senior footy following a broken leg, former All Australian defender Nathan Bock is edging closer to a recall. Bock kicked nine goals for the Suns reserves in his fifth match back at the weekend and is being considered. Reserves coach Shaun Hart said Bock “looked to be athletically capable of playing AFL football again”. The availability of Rory Thompson may have a say in whether Bock gets a game or not. Thompson suffered a bruised chest against Richmond and his recovery is being monitored closely through the week. - Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
The Giants' reserves side has been in outstanding form in the past month, producing some lopsided victories, meaning there is constant pressure being placed on the senior team. On Sunday, Jacob Townsend, Adam Tomlinson and Adam Kennedy showed a great attitude to being dropped, helping to lead the seconds to a 63-point win over the Swans at the SCG. Nathan Wilson kicked three goals as he pushes for a recall, while Dean Brogan got through his first game since May and could be ready to help out Jonathan Giles in the ruck against Essendon this week. - James Dampney
HAWTHORN
Star forward Lance Franklin is confident he'll be fit to face the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, after missing last weekend's trip to AAMI Stadium with swelling behind his knee. But the Hawks will take a cautious approach with the four-time All Australian to ensure there is no risk of further damage. The other big point of interest at selection will be Brad Sewell, who was dropped for the win over Port Adelaide. Despite not having a Box Hill game in which to press his claims for a recall on the weekend, the premiership midfielder may in the box seat to win a reprieve thanks to Shaun Burgoyne's suspension - Mark Macgugan
All the focus will be on Lance Franklin, but will Brad Sewell return for the Hawks? Picture: AFL Media
MELBOURNE
After being decimated by Geelong, Melbourne travels to Darwin to face the much-improved Brisbane Lions at TIO Stadium. Jordie McKenzie is in line for a senior return after collecting 23 disposals in his first game back, in the VFL, from an elbow injury. So too is Jack Viney, after a niggling toe complaint, following his 17-possession effort for the Casey Scorpions. Cam Pedersen (22 touches) battled hard for the Scorpions against Werribee, while Dom Barry (22) continues to progress his football at VFL level. - Ben Guthrie
NORTH MELBOURNE
North suffered a spate of injuries in its costly loss to the Brisbane Lions last Saturday night, but is hopeful captain Andrew Swallow (hand), co-vice-captain Jack Ziebell (knee), Robbie Tarrant (knee), Lachlan Hansen (concussion) and Aaron Mullett (ankle) will be fit to take on Carlton this Friday night. The Roos will regain forward Lindsay Thomas from a two-week suspension, while defender Scott McMahon and forward/ruckman Majak Daw put their hands up for senior recalls with strong performances for Werribee in the VFL last Sunday. Former Demon Jordan Gysberts also impressed in the midfield in Werribee's 56-point win over Casey. - Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
The club will know by Tuesday evening whether it needs to replace Kane Cornes, who is fighting a rough conduct charge. While Cornes could be suspended, Justin Westhoff will return from an enforced break after being sorely missed against Hawthorn. Hard-nosed midfielder Dom Cassisi is also a chance to return from a hamstring injury but will be assessed during the week. Forward Daniel Stewart could also return to football from a hip injury. Young defender Sam Colquhoun was a standout in the SANFL with 24 disposals, as was Jack Hombsch (20 touches). Tom Clurey (17 disposals, nine marks), Nathan Blee (18 touches), Brendon Ah Chee (19) and Nick Salter (19) were all solid. - Harry Thring
Port Adelaide's midfield could welcome back Dom Cassisi this weekend. Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND
Bachar Houli is expected to return from the hamstring tightness that has kept him from playing since round 14. Coburg had a bye at the weekend but Shane Tuck has two games behind him now in his comeback from a fractured scapula. Luke McGuane has kicked five goals in his past two VFL games but Aaron Edwards is keeping him out. Edwards was subbed out on Saturday in Cairns but has no injury concerns and was praised by the coach for the role he played in defence. Liam McBean, Sam Lonergan and Matt Dea were emergencies on the weekend. - Jennifer Phelan
ST KILDA
Changes are expected after the Saints' 36-point loss to Carlton, with midfielders Seb Ross and Jimmy Webster pushing for recalls after two weeks out of the side. Both were among VFL affiliate Sandringham's best players at the weekend, with half-back Nathan Wright also available. Coach Scott Watters has suggested Tom Ledger, who booted two goals for the Zebras, could play his first game for the year, while rookie Tom Curren will also be looked at to make his debut. If changes are made in the backline, Tom Simpkin is available. - Nathan Schmook
SYDNEY SWANS
Despite all the Swans' injury troubles, the group that is fit has a settled look at the moment. Youngsters such as Brandon Jack and Jed Lamb are benefiting from some extended game time and appear more comfortable each week at senior level. There will be one change due to Ben McGlynn's suspension, with fellow small forward Mitch Morton the most likely to come into the team to face West Coast. Rhyce Shaw is making some encouraging progress from his long layoff and could return via the reserves this week. Gary Rohan will also be hoping for another run in the seconds after his impressive comeback from his broken leg on the weekend. - James Dampney
WEST COAST
The Eagles are set to lose Andrew Embley for two weeks due to suspension but they have plenty of cover. Daniel Kerr and Luke Shuey were both very close to returning against Freo and should be ready to face the Sydney Swans on Sunday. Sharrod Wellingham is available and declared himself ready after two games in the WAFL reserves. Adam Selwood and Sam Butler are available as well but it is doubtful West Coast will gamble on all five against the reigning premiers. Nic Naitanui is clearly sore, having played 10 matches in a row after missing the pre-season and the first five rounds. Don't be surprised if he is rested soon. Callum Sinclair and Scott Lycett are both ready to go if required. - Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Daniel Cross has once again put his hand up for selection with an impressive game for Williamstown in the VFL. He was named in the squad to take on Essendon but didn't make the final hurdle. With a knee injury to Clay Smith, Cross may well break back into the senior side. Ayce Cordy, Nick Lower and Lukas Markovic are also waiting in the wings, and were among the goal-scorers for the Seagulls on Saturday. - Jacqui Reed
The Dogs may recall veteran Daniel Cross after the knee injury to Clay Smith. Picture: AFL Media
