The Crows could be in line to field their 28th player this season, with uncapped ruckman Reilly O'Brien on standby for Saturday night's clash with the Brisbane Lions at the Adelaide Oval. O'Brien will come into the side if Sam Jacobs fails to pass a fitness test on his injured ankle. You'd imagine the Crows would err on the side of caution with Jacobs with the finals just around the corner. Crows captain Taylor Walker could also return if he passes a fitness test on an ankle injury. O'Brien had 34 hit-outs, 15 disposals and kicked a goal for the Crows in the SANFL last weekend. Midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen continued his strong form in the reserves with 34 possessions, seven inside 50s and nine clearances, while Mitch Grigg also had 34 touches and nine clearances. - Lee Gaskin
After the crushing loss to Port Adelaide, coach Justin Leppitsch has a couple of fresh players ready to bring in against Adelaide this weekend. Ruckman Stefan Martin could return, although he'd likely have to share ruck duties with super impressive debutant Archie Smith. Young forward Josh Schache is ready to play after a week's rest and Leppitsch could spell fellow youngster Eric Hipwood if the Lions thought he needed a break. Jarrad Jansen was impressive in the NEAFL and could come into consideration. - Michael Whiting
The Blues hope to regain experienced utility Dale Thomas for this Sunday's match against St Kilda, but skipper Marc Murphy remains another week away. Murphy has not played since injuring his ankle in the win against Geelong in round 10 and Thomas has missed the past three games with a calf injury. Veteran Andrew Walker, who has also missed the past three games with a chronic knee injury, will return for his farewell game against the Saints after announcing his retirement on Tuesday. In the Northern Blues' big loss to Werribee last Sunday midfielder Mark Whiley was again the pick of an inexperienced group, gathering 25 touches. Clem Smith and Kristian Jaksch kicked two goals apiece, while Jason Tutt had 20 disposals and booted a goal. - Howard Kotton
Marc Murphy has been missed by teammates and fans alike. Picture: AFL Media
If forward Darcy Moore fails to overcome a hamstring problem, a refreshed Mason Cox could return for Friday night's clash with Richmond at the MCG. After being rested for three weeks and being named an emergency at the weekend, the 'American Pie' kicked two goals in the Collingwood reserves team's 50-point win over Geelong at Victoria Park on Saturday. The Pies will also await the outcome of fitness tests on Alex Fasolo (shoulder), Jarryd Blair (groin) and possibly even Ben Sinclair (concussion), each of whom missed the win over West Coast. The club's reserves sit third on the VFL ladder after winning nine successive games, and in Saturday's big win Adam Oxley impressed in a new forward role, while other strong performers included youngster Tom Phillips (33 touches, five clearances and five tackles), Brent Macaffer (29 possessions and 16 tackles) and defenders Tyson Goldsack (13), Alan Toovey (21) and Jack Frost (10). - Ben Collins
The Bombers' VFL side had the bye last weekend so some of the senior players pressing for a recall didn't have another chance to step up their match conditioning. Ryan Crowley could come back after playing in the VFL two weeks ago following his hamstring injury, while Mathew Stokes could also be close as he battles a groin/hip injury. He has been stuck on 198 AFL games since round 15. Mitch Brown might be ready to return from his own groin trouble after missing last week, while Jackson Merrett continues to be close to a senior spot after some consistent performances at VFL level. - Callum Twomey
Aaron Sandilands is the biggest name in the mix this week and looks set to return in the Western Derby. He has not played since the round three derby when he suffered multiple rib fractures and a collapsed lung. But he has been in full training for quite some time and appears ready to go. Hayden Ballantyne has missed the last two weeks with a fractured cheekbone. He should be right to play on Sunday but he might need to wear a helmet. Michael Johnson is not ready to return yet. Michael Apeness kicked five goals in his second game back for Peel Thunder from a broken collarbone. Ross Lyon said he was a big chance but would need to get ticked off by the sports science staff. Youngster Connor Blakely was a shock omission last week. He gathered 31 touches in the WAFL but Lyon sent him back to address some disposal issues and may not recall him straight away. Ethan Hughes remains in the mix, as do veterans Tendai Mzungu and Clancee Pearce. - Alex Malcolm
Tough on-baller Josh Caddy is available after a successful hit-out in the VFL against Collingwood. Caddy has not played since suffering a knee injury in round 13 but should come in while defender Lachie Henderson will be an automatic inclusion once he is cleared to play after missing the past two weeks through concussion. Scott Selwood is on the verge of making his debut for the Cats too after gathering 25 disposals and laying 14 tackles while Shane Kersten was stiff to miss against the Western Bulldogs and could earn a recall against the Bombers. Darcy Lang waits in the wings ready for an opportunity. - Peter Ryan
Already a valuable part of the side, the Cats would love Lachie Henderson back before finals. Picture: AFL Media
The Suns might unveil yet another debutant on Saturday when they host Greater Western Sydney, with Brayden Fiorini right in the frame to play his first game. After overcoming a knee injury earlier in the year, the No.20 pick from last year's draft has been performing strongly in the NEAFL and collected 31 touches and kicked four goals in a stellar showing at the weekend. Adam Saad also played well in his first game back since a lengthy battle with hamstring injury. - Michael Whiting
Defender Nick Haynes was a late withdrawal from last week's huge win over Richmond with illness so he's certain to be picked to take on gold Coast, while midfielder Jack Steele (hand) also missed the Tigers game and is likely to press for a recall. Doubts over the fitness of big man Rory Lobb (knee) might open the door for Tom Downie, if he's able to get over a shoulder issue. The form of the Giants' senior side means there's been plenty of quality turning out in the reserves in recent weeks. Gun midfielders Lachie Whitfield and Matthew Kennedy, defender Matt Buntine and athletic forward Will Hoskin-Elliott all played well in the reserves before last week's bye, while Jake Barrett, Jeremy Finlayson and Tim Mohr are others keeping their names in front of the selectors. Rising Star nominee Jacob Hopper and key defender Aidan Corr are a chance to come back this week in the NEAFL after long lay-offs. - Adam Curley
It was telling for the Hawks that their three emergencies on the weekend – Blake Hardwick, Dallas Willsmore and Kurt Heatherley – had yet to play a senior game. Hawthorn's depth in 2016 is a concern. As it was, Hardwick came in for late withdrawal Cyril Rioli (general soreness). Paul Puopolo (hip) also missed the Carlton game and it was clear that Hawthorn's forward pressure wasn't quite at its usually high level. Both are expected back for the Melbourne game on Saturday, but key defender James Frawley bears watching after reportedly having a scan on Monday morning. Heatherley is the likely replacement if he doesn't come up and would be Hawthorn's six debutant for the year. Alex Woodward and Jack Fitzpatrick were among the best for Box Hill, but still need more time in the VFL before they can be considered for Hawthorn. Box Hill looks set to miss the finals, which might be a factor come September if the Hawks need to dig into their well of reserves. - Ashley Browne
Hawthorn just isn't Hawthorn without Cyril. Picture: AFL Media
Much of Paul Roos' selection decisions will depend on the fitness of star forward Jesse Hogan ahead of Saturday's game against Hawthorn. Hogan has some superficial bruising in his knee but a scan on Tuesday ruled out any significant damage. If he doesn't come up, first-year forward Sam Weideman is on standby and could make his debut. The 19-year-old kicked three goals in the VFL at the weekend and the club is keen to play him before the end of the season. With a six-day break between games, Ben Kennedy (39 disposals), Jack Grimes (39), Clayton Oliver (36), Jack Trengove (36) and Cam Pedersen, who gathered 21 disposals, 13 tackles, seven marks, 16 hit-outs, as well as kicking 1.4, all pressed their claims for a recall. - Ben Guthrie
With doubts about star forward Jarrad Waite's fitness following a recurrence of his hip injury, big man Majak Daw could bounce back into the senior team after enjoying a day out for Werribee. Daw was dropped last round for Waite and responded by kicking four goals from 14 touches and taking nine marks in the Tigers' thumping VFL win over the Northern Blues. There's still not much relief in sight from the lengthy injury list, but Corey Wagner (17 disposals, two goals), Robin Nahas (24 disposals, six tackles) and Lachie Hansen (12 disposals, six marks) kept their names in the mix in the VFL, although the Roos once again might not make many changes. - Travis King
The enigmatic Majak Daw may get another chance at senior level. Picture: AFL Media
Jimmy Toumpas took Hamish Hartlett's place in the side last week after the star midfielder was a late withdrawal. Hartlett will miss up to a month, and fellow on-baller Kane Mitchell will come into consideration for a senior recall after picking up a team-high 28 disposals for Port Adelaide in the SANFL last weekend. Forward Jay Schulz also put his hand up, kicking three goals. - Lee Gaskin
The test for the Tigers is whether they hold their ground with a young team or look for senior reinforcements after a demoralising loss. Recycled Port Adelaide midfielder Andrew Moore (37 disposals and 11 clearances in the VFL) is bashing down the door for a chance before the season is out. If he is in the Tigers' plans, the 25-year-old should play his first game since round four. Defender Nathan Broad (26 and 11 marks) is also finding form at the lower level. Ben Lennon (ankle) was on the cusp of selection when he rolled an ankle, but he could play if he passes a fitness test. Shane Edwards (calf) and Ben Griffiths (groin) are in the same boat, while Corey Ellis is available after six weeks sidelined with a groin injury. He will likely return through the VFL. Midfielder Connor Menadue (22 possessions) went back to the VFL in round 19 and is available, as is midfielder Jacob Townsend (24 and 10 tackles). – Nathan Schmook
After a return through the VFL last Sunday, Paddy McCartin could face Carlton in what would be the forward's first game since he was concussed for the third time this season in round 15. He looked scratchy against Williamstown and kicked 1.2, but he has established himself as a best-22 player at the Saints. Key defender Sam Fisher put in a strong display in his return through Sandringham after hamstring troubles, and will come into contention for a spot in the senior side. Fellow backman Jimmy Webster will have a fitness test before he takes to the field following a hamstring injury, but he may need to come back through the reserves. - Dinny Navaratnam
John Longmire won't be rushing in the changes for this week's clash against Port Adelaide after his team's impressive win over Fremantle. Thanks to the Swans' NEAFL bye, veterans Ted Richards and Ben McGlynn both travelled to Perth last week as emergencies, as did Jordan Foote, who made way for co-captain Jarrad McVeigh after debuting in round 18. Midfielder Brandon Jack, defender Harrison Marsh and small forward James Rose maintained their solid form before the bye, while defender Jeremy Laidler is likely to play this week in the reserves if he can overcome a hamstring strain. - Adam Curley
The Eagles' star ruckman Nic Naitanui is on the cusp of returning after missing the last seven weeks. He was close last week and was given the extra week to get ready but still needs to get through training to be declared fit to play. Elliot Yeo was a late withdrawal last week with illness. It was the second time this year he has missed through illness but he should return this week. Tom Barrass was rested last week but given the defensive performance against Collingwood he would be a big chance to come straight back in. The Eagles need to find some ball winners in the midfield. Jack Redden and Jackson Nelson were axed last week but East Perth had the bye so neither got the chance to respond. Xavier Ellis and Patrick McGinnity remain viable options. Lewis Jetta needs to do more at WAFL level. Youngsters Corey Adamson, Tom Cole and Luke Partington continue to contribute for East Perth to at least present Adam Simpson with some options. - Alex Malcolm
Nic Nat is a crucial component of the Eagles' finals tilt. Picture: AFL Media
The Dogs are a chance to welcome back backline stars Dale Morris (hamstring), Matthew Boyd and Matt Suckling (both Achilles soreness) for Saturday night's clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. With injuries to key playmakers Tom Liberatore and Jack Macrae unlikely to see them return until finals, young midfielders Lukas Webb, Nathan Hrovat and Mitch Honeychurch loom as replacements. Webb continued his great form for Footscray with 37 possessions and a goal, while Hrovat (31 disposals and two goals) is in line to play his first senior game of the season after battling shoulder and ankle injuries. Wingman Bailey Dale should also be considered for selection after a solid month in the VFL. Forward Toby McLean is likely to spend a second week at state league level in his return from an ankle injury. - Ryan Davidson
