ADELAIDE
Having played a full game in the SANFL, veteran midfielder Scott Thompson is set to return to the senior line up. The 32-year-old was the game's leading possession-winner with 29 disposals and he also managed nine clearances and11 tackles along with four behinds. Jarryd Lyons was great with 20 possessions, 11 clearances and two goals and Matt Crouch was solid with 23 disposals and 12 clearances. Thompson would be the leading candidate to replace Brodie Smith, who will be assessed closely during the week after sustaining a concussion against Collingwood. Rookie ruckman Reilly O'Brien continued to impress with 36 hit-outs and two goals in the SANFL. – Harry Thring
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BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions' tall stocks took another big blow during the week with confirmation young forward Michael Close would miss 12 months with an ACL injury. With Jono Freeman (hip) and Jackson Paine (shoulder) already on the sidelines, it leaves the door open for veteran Brent Staker to return against Richmond on Saturday night and play his first game since 2013. Darcy Gardiner should also come into consideration after overcoming a shoulder injury, while James Aish played well in the reserves after being dropped and must be a big chance to be recalled. – Michael Whiting
Nine things we learned from round two
CARLTON
The experienced Andrew Walker staked a claim for an immediate return to the seniors with an impressive first-up performance with the Northern Blues on Saturday. Playing his first VFL game since recovering from surgery in late February on a pinched cartilage in his left knee, Walker moved freely in a practice match against the NAB AFL Academy at the MCG on Saturday. He finished the game with 29 disposals (11 contested), four marks and six inside 50s. Walker could come in to replace the versatile Simon White, who sprained the medial ligament in his left knee last Friday night and is expected to miss at least four weeks. Others who put themselves in contention for senior selection against Essendon this Saturday were Nick Graham (28 disposals, 12 contested possessions, six marks, seven inside 50s), Mark Whiley (20 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four marks, one goal), Blaine Boekhorst (18 disposals, four marks), Dylan Buckley (15 disposals, four inside 50s, two goals) and Dennis Armfield (14 disposals, four marks, five inside 50s, four goals). – Howard Kotton
COLLINGWOOD
The Pies will be forced to make at least one change for their clash with St Kilda at the MCG on Friday night, with small defender Ben Sinclair suffering a serious hamstring injury. However, they have a few ready-made replacements, including young runners Jordan De Goey and Nathan Freeman, who were among the Pies' best in the VFL, as was Sam Dwyer before being an emergency for the clash with Adelaide. Ruckman Jarrod Witts will come under consideration after returning to full fitness from a shoulder problem, and prized draftee Darcy Moore could earn a much-awaited AFL debut after being best-afield in the VFL. Meanwhile, swingman Ben Reid played three-and-a-half quarters in an encouraging VFL return but appears set to gain more match fitness and touch at the lower level before being promoted to the seniors. – Ben Collins
ESSENDON
It is hard to see the Bombers making too many changes after their dramatic win over Hawthorn last week, particularly after they got through the game relatively unscathed. Veteran defender Dustin Fletcher faces a fitness test after missing last week with a groin injury, while David Myers is out until at least mid-year due to the shoulder injury sustained in round one. The club's VFL side had a strong win in their final practice game before its season gets underway, with midfielder Will Hams putting in a strong display and speedy half-back Orazio Fantasia giving good run off half-back. No.20 draft pick Jayden Laverde kicked three goals, while midfielder Elliott Kavanagh booted two. – Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
The Dockers have at least one forced change this week with Hayden Ballantyne suspended for two weeks. The obvious replacement is Hayden Crozier. He travelled as an emergency to Geelong but did not play and collected 17 touches and kicked two goals the week before in the WAFL. Max Duffy would also be a like for like replacement, finishing with 22 touches for Peel Thunder last week. Tendai Mzungu could be included in a different role and was also a travelling emergency on the weekend. Connor Blakely collected 29 touches for Peel on Saturday and is an outside chance after he was an emergency in round one. Lachie Weller picked up 15 disposals and a goal and Ed Langdon had 25 touches and a goal in Peel's win. There is some slight doubt over Zac Clarke's fitness with the ruckman suffering knee soreness. The Dockers have plenty of ruck options if need be. Jon Griffin had 27 hit-outs for Peel while Jack Hannath and Michael Apeness both kicked two goals each in the WAFL. – Alex Malcolm
Hayden Crozier is the obvious replacement for Hayden Ballantyne. Picture: AFL Media
GEELONG
After serving a club-imposed suspension, Steven Motlop looks set to return, as will Jimmy Bartel, who missed a week with concussion after the club took a no-risk approach. Veteran defender Jared Rivers has a knee that requires management but he should be available this week. Geelong lacked run outside the contest so Jordan Murdoch and Sam Blease will be considered, although Blease's endurance will need to have improved. Josh Walker is in good form but the Cats are likely to stick with their current mix of talls with Dawson Simpson the only player whose position is in jeopardy. Hamish McIntosh will again be considered as will Jake Kolodjashnij, who could be required in defence. – Peter Ryan
GOLD COAST
The absence of skipper Gary Ablett (shoulder) gives Rodney Eade even more headaches ahead of Sunday's match against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Aside from Ablett, the Suns will also be missing Jarrod Harbrow (shoulder) and Alex Sexton (suspended), while inside midfielder Mitch Hallahan (hip) is also unlikely. Matt Shaw will return from suspension, while small forwards Brandon Matera and Aaron Hall were strong in the NEAFL at the weekend, and dropped duo Trent McKenzie and Daniel Gorringe also pressed their claims for inclusion after good showings in the reserves. Charlie Dixon is likely to play in the NEAFL after a long layoff with an ankle problem. – Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Key tall Adam Tomlinson is set for a long stint on the sidelines, but there's good news for the Giants on the back of an undefeated start to the AFL season, and plenty of players with senior experience in good form in the NEAFL. Former Swan Jed Lamb booted four goals in the UWS Giants' win over the Gold Coast reserves to kick off the NEAFL season last week. Defender Curtly Hampton took his omission from the seniors in his stride with a strong performance down back, while key defender Tim Mohr's return from a knee reconstruction went well in his second game back. – Adam Curley
HAWTHORN
Prized recruit James Frawley (pectoral) is set for a stint on the sidelines, but the Hawks have plenty of defensive cover. Josh Gibson (back soreness) was withdrawn before the loss to Essendon and could be a straight swap for Frawley. Cult hero Matt Spangher and Angus Litherland might also come into contention. Spangher played a full VFL practice game in his return from a calf issue on Saturday, while Litherland also held down a key position and was among Box Hill's best. Both offer different strengths – with Spangher's size an asset and 192cm Litherland's pace potentially handy against the nimble Western Bulldogs forwards. Ryan Schoenmakers has been an emergency for the first two rounds and is another option, although he is most likely to win a spot up forward. Sam Mitchell (corked calf) was another late withdrawal in round two, but coach Alastair Clarkson hoped he would return this weekend. Jonathan Simpkin, Alex Woodward and Billy Hartung showed strong VFL form if Clarkson swings the axe at selection. – Travis King
Could forgotten Hawk Ryan Schoenmakers be called up to replace James Frawley? Picture: AFL Media
MELBOURNE
Despite allowing 13 unanswered goals in a 45-point loss to Greater Western Sydney, Demons coach Paul Roos does not envisage wholesale changes this week. Roos is prepared to back his players in, with Melbourne facing a tough test against the top-of-the-table Crows in Adelaide. The good news for Melbourne is a number of players pressed their case for selection after strong performances for Casey in a VFL practice match last weekend. Should there be a change, expect Jack Grimes (30 disposals, one goal), Matt Jones (29 touches), Jimmy Toumpas (29 touches, two goals) and Viv Michie (25, three goals) to come into the selection mix. Jay Kennedy-Harris, who was dropped to make way for key forward Chris Dawes after the club's win against Gold Coast, will be considered if the Demons decide to play an extra runner. – Ben Guthrie
NORTH MELBOURNE
Nick Dal Santo's availability for Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide won't be known until he consults a specialist about the left hamstring injury he suffered against the Brisbane Lions. The Roos are more bullish that Daniel Wells (Achilles tendon) and Scott Thompson (sprained ankle) will be fit to take on the Power, while football director Geoff Walsh says Jamie Macmillan (Achilles soreness) is "a chance" to return after he was a late withdrawal from the win over the Lions. The recently demoted Ryan Bastinac and Ben Jacobs would be among the leading contenders to replace Dal Santo and/or Wells, along with Trent Dumont, who impressed for North Ballarat in the VFL last Saturday with his clean hands at stoppages. Robbie Tarrant continues to push for a senior recall after another excellent performance for Werribee last Saturday. The key defender was outstanding in his one-on-one contests against former Roo Cameron Pedersen and finished with 23 disposals and nine marks. - Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
The Power will be hoping ruckman Matthew Lobbe's quad survives his fitness test this week, but there's no certainty he'll line up against North Melbourne. The club has missed his ruck work and tackling pressure at stoppages. Jarman Impey will miss the game with a hamstring injury, offering a number of players a senior opportunity. Some shuffling of positions may be required to fill Impey's role deep in defence, although Cam O'Shea could easily slot into the back six. Sam Colquhoun (25 disposals), Andrew Moore (24, seven clearances), Brandon Ah Chee (23, six tackles), Kane Mitchell (23, seven clearances), Nathan Krakouer (23, six clearances, two goals) and Aaron Young (22, one goal) all enjoyed good SANFL form. – Harry Thring
Port will be hoping Matthew Lobbe will be fit for the clash with North. Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND
A revamped forward line could be the answer for the Tigers after a lacklustre nine-goal performance against the Western Bulldogs. Vice-captain Brett Deledio (calf) trained lightly on Tuesday and will need to prove his fitness on Thursday to return against the Brisbane Lions. Shane Edwards (calf) will also need to pass a fitness test after he was a late withdrawal against the Bulldogs. Another forward option is Chris Knights, who has produced back-to-back standout performances with the VFL Tigers, racking up 29 disposals and eight clearances on Saturday. Defender David Astbury and tall forward Ty Vickery are both available for selection with Kane Lambert (shoulder) and Ricky Petterd (foot) both making way.– Nathan Schmook
ST KILDA
Veteran midfielder Leigh Montagna will be given every opportunity to return from a knee injury in Friday night's clash against Collingwood, but he appears more likely to miss one more week. Coach Alan Richardson is reluctant to make changes to the team that beat Gold Coast by 28 points in round two, meaning Paddy McCartin's four goals for Sandringham are unlikely to be enough to earn him an AFL debut. Ruckman Tom Hickey also impressed in the VFL at the weekend, but there is no room for him in the team while Billy Longer is in form. Half-forward Eli Templeton (23 possessions and 10 clearances) and first-year defender Hugh Goddard (23 and 12 marks) were others to impress in the VFL who may have to wait for spots to open up before breaking into the senior team. – Nathan Schmook
SYDNEY SWANS
After a commanding win over Port Adelaide on the road, spots in the Swans side are tough to come by, but Ben McGlynn is at the front of the queue if one does pop up. The nippy forward was influential with 20 touches in the Swans' reserves victory over Ainslie in the NEAFL in his first game back from a high hamstring strain suffered in the pre-season. In a pleasing sign for the Swans, McGlynn got through the game without incident, with Tom Mitchell and Daniel Robinson also knocking on the door of senior selection. – Adam Curley
WEST COAST
The Eagles were impressive against Carlton but they have a couple of injury concerns. Simon Tunbridge hurt his ankle and was subbed out of the match last Friday night and may miss this week. Youngster Tom Lamb was unlucky to be squeezed out after debuting as the sub in round one and could come straight back in a half-forward role. Scott Selwood remains in doubt to recover from his ankle soreness while Xavier Ellis is also battling to return from a hamstring strain that has seen him miss four weeks. Sam Butler missed last week with an adductor issue but appears to have recovered fully and should be available. Brant Colledge piled up 36 possessions and three goals in the WAFL a fortnight ago and remains in the mix after he was an emergency last week. Kane Lucas has been an emergency two weeks in a row after being upgraded from the rookie list and is itching for an opportunity. – Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
After two wins from two starts, the Dogs have a selection headache with several players showing strong form in the VFL. Up-and-coming midfielders Nathan Hrovat and Lachie Hunter were two of Footscray's best in the VFL practice match win over Richmond. Brett Goodes could be one to make way after having limited impact as the sub in the Bulldogs' AFL win over the Tigers. Ruckman Tom Campbell continued his impressive state league form and could be in the selection frame after Ayce Cordy's quiet outing at the weekend. – Ryan Davidson
