ADELAIDE
Ricky Henderson's season has ended, with the 24-year-old utility to have surgery on his right knee this week. Henderson will be missed in Adelaide's backline, but with rookie Kyle Hartigan (25 possessions) shining in the SANFL, the Crows do have cover. Mitch Grigg could return to the side this weekend after a corked hip saw his late withdrawal from last weekend's match. Jason Porplyzia was serviceable for West Adelaide with 18 possessions and a goal in the Bloods' five-goal loss to Central Districts. - Harry Thring

BRISBANE LIONS
Interim coach Mark Harvey will be forced to make at least one change to play the in-form Western Bulldogs on Sunday with triple premiership midfielder Simon Black accepting a one-match suspension. Black's absence will likely pave the way for the return of either James Polkinghorne or Jesse O'Brien – both playing for their careers – after excellent form in the reserves last week. Jordan Lisle must also be a chance of a recall after the Lions played one big man short against the smaller Giants last week. - Michael Whiting

CARLTON
The Blues could be strengthened by the return of No.1 ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (calf) and leading goalkicker Jeff Garlett (glute) for their must-win blockbuster against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday. The availability of Kreuzer could provide selectors with a dilemma, given Robert Warnock outpointed Richmond big man Ivan Maric 39-33 in hit-outs last weekend. It's difficult to imagine many more changes to a winning combination, but those pushing for elevation from the VFL include midfielder David Ellard, who had 30 disposals, 11 clearances and 10 tackles in a big loss to Werribee on Sunday, Jaryd Cachia (20 touches), defender Aaron Joseph and rookie Rhys O’Keeffe (31 possessions, including 13 contested, and two goals), who has been impressive since overcoming a serious foot infection. - Ben Collins

COLLINGWOOD
Remember Alan Didak? Anyone? The crafty small forward is in line for a recall after a slashing 34-possession, 10-mark performance for the Magpies in the VFL on Saturday against Sandringham. Didak has played just one AFL match for the Pies this year. Ruckman Darren Jolly also performed well and the question now for Nathan Buckley is whether he can accommodate both Jolly and the promising Brodie Grundy in the same side. Ben Sinclair (shoulder) and Jamie Elliott (hamstring) will both miss on Friday night against West Coast and another to come into contention will be Ben Kennedy, who had 30 touches in the VFL and whose game was considered by development coach Craig McRae to be his best for the year. Dale Thomas is done for 2013 after he hurt his ankle again in the VFL, while Clinton Young is a chance to play in the VFL this weekend after overcoming a hamstring strain. But his ship may have sailed in terms of a return for the AFL finals. - Ashley Browne

ESSENDON
Michael Hurley is set to return from injury and Patrick Ryder will be back from suspension to face Carlton on Saturday night but the Bombers look set to lose a few important players. Dyson Heppell is in big doubt with his foot injury, while Tom Bellchambers and Nick Kommer have had scans after pulling up sore from Saturday's loss to North Melbourne. Jason Ashby and Dylan van Unen are in line for a senior debut after strong showings in the VFL, while Alex Browne and David Hille are also around the mark - Callum Twomey




Michael Hurley has endured a frustrating run with injuries, but may be back this weekend. Picture: AFL Media

FREMANTLE
The Dockers will lose a couple of key combatants this week. Aaron Sandilands has already been ruled out with a fractured cheekbone and Hayden Ballantyne is unlikely to be risked with a sub-luxed shoulder. Jack Hannath had 35 hit-outs in the WAFL and Hayden Crozier has been banging on the door for another opportunity so they are the two obvious replacements. However, Garrick Ibbotson is overdue to return after missing the past three weeks with Achilles soreness and Clancee Pearce is close to a comeback from a calf problem so the Dockers have options. Josh Mellington is a smokey as an option up forward after 25 disposals and two goals in the WAFL. - Alex Malcolm

GEELONG
Key forward Tom Hawkins is set to return for the Cats' clash with the Sydney Swans at Simonds Stadium on Saturday. Veterans Paul Chapman and Josh Hunt are also in the mix after impressive performances in the VFL last weekend. Josh Cowan, George Horlin-Smith and Trent West are other players who pushed their case with solid showings in the VFL. - Adam McNicol

GOLD COAST
Fearless defender Seb Tape will be monitored throughout the week to assess his recovery after being concussed against Port Adelaide last Saturday. With a number of the Suns' mid-sized players down on output against the Power, expect Guy McKenna to make a couple of changes for Sunday's trip to Melbourne to play St Kilda. Michael Rischitelli (elbow) and Karmichael Hunt (calf) have both played two matches in the reserves after long layoffs and at least one is expected to get a call-up. Ruckman Tom Nicholls has been ruled out of the final two rounds with a lingering knee injury.  - Michael Whiting

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
The time is now to play any more young Giants who still hope to make their AFL debuts. Kevin Sheedy plans to give Kristian Jaksch and James Stewart their first games before year's end. Stewart was named among the best players for the reserves in Saturday's narrow loss to the Brisbane Lions. Sam Schulz was named the Giants' best player in that game and will be hopeful of his first senior appearance of the season against Richmond and just the second of his career. Sam Darley, Shaun Edwards and Josh Bruce also performed well as they attempt to get into the team for its final Skoda Stadium appearance for 2013. - James Dampney

HAWTHORN
The Hawks are settling their line-up with September approaching, but could still look to squeeze Brent Guerra and Liam Shiels in for Saturday's clash with North Melbourne. Guerra was a late withdrawal from Friday night's win over Collingwood with knee soreness, while Shiels has now played two games back in the VFL, having missed a month of football with an ankle injury. Youngster Jed Anderson was brilliant for Box Hill on Sunday, winning eight clearances and booting five goals. However, the 19-year-old has not played at senior level since his NAB AFL Rising Star-nominated performance in round three. Has he left his run at a recall too late? - Mark Macgugan




The Hawks face North Melbourne on Saturday, with Brent Guerra a chance to return. Picture: AFL Media

MELBOURNE
At least three changes are necessary after Sam Blease (ankle), Shannon Byrnes (foot) and James Strauss (shoulder) joined the list of Melbourne players with season-ending injuries after incurring problems during Sunday's game against Fremantle. Melbourne hopes to get key defender James Frawley back after a hamstring problem while Chris Dawes will undergo a test to his calf. Rory Taggert might be a chance to make his debut after five goals in the VFL, while James Magner picked up a lazy 51 possessions, despite being off the ground midway through the last quarter. Rohan Bail, Max Gawn, Daniel Nicholson and David Rodan also played well at Casey and could be in contention. Mark Jamar will be available but is likely to make his comeback through the VFL. - Peter Ryan

NORTH MELBOURNE
The Roos should regain vice-captain Jack Ziebell (ankle) and Scott Thompson (soreness) for Saturday's clash with Hawthorn, however Nathan Grima (foot) and Leigh Adams (knee) remain in doubt. Taylor Garner bounced back well from being dropped after his AFL debut, racking up 21 possessions in the midfield for North Ballarat. Liam Anthony continued his excellent form for the Roosters with 24 disposals and two goals in their loss to Williamstown. Ruckman Daniel Currie was best on ground in Werribee's win over the Northern Blues, while senior defenders Michael Firrito (18 possessions) and Scott McMahon (17) were also solid performers for the Tigers. - Nick Bowen

PORT ADELAIDE
Hamish Hartlett will miss two games through suspension after his hit on Gold Coast's Seb Tape, while he also subluxed his left shoulder against the Suns. While he won't require scans, he'll be assessed at training this week. Dom Cassisi (hamstring tightness) and Sam Colquhoun (back and hamstring tightness) both missed the game, but Cassisi will be assessed and Colquhoun is expected to be fit for this weekend's clash against Fremantle. Cameron Hitchcock on the other hand will be sidelined with a hamstring injury. Kane Mitchell (25 possessions), Nick Salter (13, three goals) Ben Newton (26, 11 clearances) all had solid games in the SANFL, while Brent Renouf (10 disposals, 48 hit-outs) enjoyed a big day in the ruck. - Harry Thring

RICHMOND
Jack Riewoldt will have to pass a fitness test on his knee and is in doubt although scans have cleared him of structural damage. Trent Cotchin (bruised shin) is more likely and Ricky Petterd (hamstring) will be monitored throughout the week. Chris Newman (ankle) and Matt White (hamstring) will have tests while Shane Edwards and Jake King are expected to be available. Given the Tigers are playing Greater Western Sydney, there isn't likely to be a push to play anyone under serious duress. Liam McBean won't get a senior debut in his first year after injuring his ankle in the VFL but Robin Nahas put his hand up for a recall with 31 disposals, as did Brad Helbig (27) and Matt Dea (26). - Jennifer Phelan




Chris Newman is desperate to taste finals action, and could be fit to return against GWS. Picture: AFL Media

ST KILDA
The Saints have selection options this week after resting senior players Lenny Hayes (soreness) and James Gwilt (leg soreness) as well as youngsters Jimmy Webster and Brodie Murdoch against the Sydney Swans. Justin Koschitzke, who is recovering from a calf injury, appears more likely to play his 200th game in the final round of the season. In the VFL, midfielder Tom Ledger (26 possessions) is demanding attention with Sandringham.  Nathan Wright (15) and Sam Dunell (14 and three goals) are also pushing hard, while key forward Beau Maister (12 and one) returned from a serious hamstring injury at the weekend. - Nathan Schmook

SYDNEY SWANS
Tom Mitchell is likely to come back against Geelong following a well-deserved one-week rest and Brandon Jack is also in line for a recall after an impressive stint in the seconds. Gary Rohan will be monitored to see how he pulls up from his first senior game in 16 months and is a strong chance of staying in the team to face the Cats, the side he supported growing up. Longmire also most likely has to get through at least another week without injured quartet Adam Goodes, Lewis Jetta, Sam Reid and Lewis Roberts-Thomson. - James Dampney

WEST COAST
Chris Masten was a late withdrawal last weekend with thigh tightness and should return this Friday night against Collingwood. There are several players who have put their hand up at the right time given the nature of last weekend's loss to Geelong. Cale Morton had 32 touches and two goals for East Perth in his best game for the season. Matt Rosa and Adam Selwood gathered 34 and 27 disposals respectively in the same game. Brad Dick kicked four goals and Jacob Brennan had 24 disposals for East Fremantle. All would seriously be considered this week. - Alex Malcolm




West Coast midfielder Chris Masten is a chance to face the Magpies on Friday night. Picture: AFL Media

WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs will be reluctant to make changes to the side that performed so well against Adelaide, but Liam Jones is pushing his case for selection, after a three-goal haul in the VFL. Lukas Markovic also looms, while Christian Howard and Nathan Hrovat were among the goalkickers for the Seagulls. - Jacqui Reed