Tom Lynch appears ready to return to senior football after shining in his first SANFL game back from a broken jaw. Lynch amassed 31 touches and took eight marks. After serving his one-week SANFL suspension, Brad Crouch could be in line to return to the senior line up too, but Brenton Sanderson may elect to give him one more week in the state league. Matt Crouch was prolific in the SANFL (35 disposals, nine clearances), while Charlie Cameron (groin) will likely need another week on the sidelines depending on how he trains. - Harry Thring

After being rested for last week's trip to Perth, first-year midfielder James Aish will return to play North Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday night. The Lions' only remaining premiership player, Ash McGrath, has now had two matches in reserves after overcoming a calf injury and will come into calculations for his first senior match of the season. After being punished by Fremantle in contested possessions at the weekend, either Ryan Lester or Brent Moloney could make a return to give the midfield some more punch. - Michael Whiting

The Magpies could be boosted by an influx of senior players for Sunday night's clash with old foe Carlton. Steele Sidebottom is certain to return after serving his three-week suspension, while Tyson Goldsack, whose forward pressure has been notably missing, is likely to come back from a knee issue. Backline general Nick Maxwell is unlikely to play, however, impressive youngster Tom Langdon is under a cloud and is no certainty to take his place this week after suffering a concussion against the Hawks. ­– Ben Guthrie

The Dockers are very settled at the moment, having won five in a row. They beat the Lions with ease and there were no injuries to report. Matt de Boer could return from his knee injury this week but he may need to come back via the WAFL. Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson are getting closer but are very unlikely this week. Anthony Morabito made another statement in the WAFL with 28 touches and two goals for Peel. He is simply waiting for an opportunity to present itself. Michael Apeness could be a bolter. He took nine marks and kicked three goals in the wet last Saturday. Jonathon Griffin is dominating in the ruck for Peel. Scott Gumbleton also kicked two goals for Peel. - Alex Malcolm

 

After three strong matches in the reserves following a hamstring injury, midfielder Jesse Lonergan is right in the frame to make his return against Hawthorn at Launceston on Saturday. Lonergan has been dogged by hamstring and hand (broken twice) problems in his two years at the Suns, but is highly thought of and can play a multitude of roles. Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) and Karmichael Hunt (knee) are also strong chances to resume playing after time out, but are likely to return through the NEAFL. - Michael Whiting

Fresh from the first back-to-back wins in club history, Greater Western Sydney will take plenty of confidence into Saturday night's derby with the Sydney Swans. Most eyes will be on Jeremy Cameron as he tries to recover from an ankle injury that kept him out of Sunday's victory over Carlton. Cameron kicked four goals in the round one triumph over the Swans. In-form midfielder Tom Scully will also be doing all he can to recover from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss last Sunday's win. No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick Tom Boyd showed some improved signs against the Blues but he could find himself under pressure if Cameron returns to full fitness. - James Dampney

The suspension of Jordie McKenzie and injury to Daniel Cross (fractured leg) opens up an opportunity for two midfielders to return to the side. On form, Viv Michie seems most likely after an impressive 30-disposal effort in a losing Casey Scorpions team. However, Daniel Nicholson might be better suited to McKenzie's role. Speedster Sam Blease was an emergency last week and performed well again in the VFL. Aidan Riley's spot is also under pressure although he looks the type that needs to work his way into a game rather than playing as a substitute. If Christian Salem needs a rest, Jay Kennedy-Harris would be his obvious replacement. Max Gawn - who was reasonable for Casey on Saturday - might be considered for tactical purposes. Paul Roos hinted on Tuesday that Dean Terlich would be recalled after the defender did not play for Casey at the weekend after being left out of the senior side. - Peter Ryan

Skipper Andrew Swallow (knee) will given up to the last minute to prove his fitness for Saturday night's clash against the Brisbane Lions but the Roos will need to replace small forward Robin Nahas (shoulder). Liam Anthony, who had 32 possessions for North Ballarat in the VFL last Sunday, and Trent Dumont, an emergency in North's round 14 team, are among the leading contenders for a senior call-up this week. Kieran Harper's speed would make him an ideal replacement for Nahas, but his VFL form probably does not warrant a senior recall. Majak Daw was best on ground in Werribee's nine-point win over Geelong's VFL team last Saturday but Ben Brown should hold his spot in attack after his encouraging debut against Melbourne. - Nick Bowen

Ken Hinkley should benefit from the return of Hamish Hartlett this week from a rolled ankle after he was rested against the Western Bulldogs. Jarman Impey should also return after a week off (general soreness) and Dom Cassisi (knee) is another who will be monitored during the week. Ben Newton continued his excellent SANFL form (23 disposals, eight clearances, one goal), Jake Neade was impressive (19 disposals, one goal) and big Mason Shaw backed up his six goals last week with another three to go with nine marks. - Harry Thring

Club champion Dan Jackson is pushing to play his first game since round 11 after recovering from a hip flexor injury. The experienced midfielder could make an immediate return to the senior team against St Kilda on Saturday if he gets through training this week and proves his fitness. Former captain Chris Newman is also in the mix to return after missing one match with a minor groin injury. After being omitted in round 14, young midfielder Ben Lennon pushed his case for a recall in the VFL and was impressive with 24 possessions, five clearances and a goal. The most impressive performance, however, came from ruckman Orren Stephenson, who had 44 hit-outs and three goals against North Ballarat. Tall forward Ty Vickery has served his two-match suspension for striking and is available for selection. - Nathan Schmook

Experienced on-baller Leigh Montagna should return for the Saints, after he was a late withdrawal against the Eagles last week. Sam Dunell was listed as VFL affiliate Sandringham's best player, continuing a solid run of form. Adam Schneider also impacted the game consistently as he finished with 33 disposals, seven tackles and a goal. However, Lenny Hayes is only a 50-50 chance to play against Richmond. With so much attention directed towards Nick Riewoldt, Alan Richardson may need to come up with another key forward option. If that's the case, Rhys Stanley could be brought in from the wilderness after he was the Zebras' best-performed forward at the weekend. – Ben Guthrie

Kurt Tippett is expected to return from his fortnight on the sidelines following knee surgery when the Swans take on GWS at the SCG. Ben McGlynn is also close to coming back into the side as he recovers from a broken thumb. Rhyce Shaw will miss around three weeks with an ankle injury, with Zak Jones a strong chance of coming into the starting squad. Debutant Jones performed well in the backline when introduced as a substitute against Richmond last Friday, when the Swans won their ninth straight game. Gary Rohan, who has also been spending time at half-back this year, is in contention for his sixth senior appearance. - James Dampney

The question for Adam Simpson this week is what to do with his talls? Dean Cox has had two weeks off and is ready to return. Simpson indicated last Friday that he would play in the Derby. Scott Lycett has been playing well. Nic Naitanui needs continuity rather than a rest and Jeremy McGovern has been a shining light up forward. The Eagles experimented with three ruckmen in the last Derby but it wasn't overly successful. Patrick McGinnity had 30 touches for East Perth last weekend and has been in the Eagles' mix recently. Josh Hill and Ashley Smith both bagged two goals each if Simpson is looking for smalls to complement the talls. Dom Sheed also had 20 touches and a goal in the WAFL. Blayne Wilson collected 27 touches but may find it hard to break into the Eagles' defence this week. - Alex Malcolm