Get them in: Half-forward Riley Knight was a standout in the SANFL with 25 possessions and seven tackles. Midfielders Curtly Hampton (14 and 10 tackles) and Pat Wilson (20 and eight clearances) also impressed.

Under the pump: Darcy Fogarty (nine disposals, no goals against Collingwood) could be squeezed out for team balance after the Crows played five tall forwards last week.

Medical room: All Australian forward Eddie Betts is in doubt with a hamstring injury and midfielder David Mackay will be assessed after his second concussion in three weeks. Small forward Lachlan Murphy (hamstring) was a late out last week. Club champion Matt Crouch (hamstring) is at least a week away.

Verdict: Knight in for Betts, and Hampton in for Mackay if he's ruled out. Hampton's experience and outside run has him ahead of Wilson and Jordan Gallucci in the midfield ranks. - Lee Gaskin

Get them in: Another good game in the NEAFL for wingman Jacob Allison, who is surely bashing the door down. Dan McStay has responded well since being dropped, while Ryan Bastinac kicked three goals at the lower level and might be the type of ball-user the Lions are looking for.

Under the pump: Defender Sam Mayes has had a tough start to the season and was again down on form against Richmond. Versatile tall Josh Walker is also struggling to have any impact.

Medical room: Daniel Rich is still recovering from ankle ligament problems but doesn't look like he'll be right this week.

Verdict: Chris Fagan has shown he's happy to drop players for poor form, and after last week's poor showing expect some changes this week. Allison looks a good swap for Mayes, while McStay, despite playing forward in the NEAFL, could come back to stiffen the defence against Gold Coast's Tom Lynch-Sam Day forward line. Bastinac and Ben Keays could also come in. - Michael Whiting

Get them in: Harry McKay was impressive in tough conditions last Sunday and must be considered soon for senior selection. Andrew Phillips did well in the ruck and Sam Rowe was among the best.

Under the pump: Plenty of candidates again, but Cameron O’Shea and Aaron Mullett spring readily to mind.

Medical room: Quite a few battered and bruised bodies after last Saturday’s game. Skipper Marc Murphy has to be replaced, while Matthew Kreuzer and Matthew Kennedy look sore.

Verdict: At least three changes are likely, depending on injuries. May go for bigger, more experienced bodies. - Howard Kotton

Get them in: Young midfielders Brayden Sier and Josh Daicos are in ripping VFL form and are probably at the front of queue if the Pies make any changes. Forward-turned wingman Chris Mayne and key defender Brody Mihocek are also tracking well.

Under the pump: Collingwood is a far better proposition with Mason Cox in the team but it would be nice if he hit the scoreboard. He’s scoreless this season.

Medical room: Despite the long break between games, Taylor Adams and Darcy Moore are at long odds to recover in time for the clash with the Essendon.

Verdict: The Pies will likely name the same team that dismantled Adelaide. - Ben Collins

Josh Daicos hasn't played in the seniors this year. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: The Bombers would have looked to bring in Patrick Ambrose for his first game of the season after a wrist injury, but he was suspended for a match in his VFL return. Midfielder Dylan Clarke (40 disposals) and half-back Jordan Ridley (27 disposals) were good in the VFL and will be pushing for a spot.

Under the pump: Josh Begley has played every game so far this year and averaged 11 disposals, but was one of the quieter performers in the Bombers' win over Port Adelaide.

Medical room: Mitch Brown might have been considered to come in for Michael Hartley, who was the late inclusion on Sunday when Brown was ruled out with a calf injury, but subsequent scans have shown he will miss a month.

Verdict: John Worsfold backed in his men last week after a poor showing against the Bulldogs and it worked a treat with a much better performance against Port. It seems unlikely there'll be many changes this round, but the Bombers will have to consider they have a four-day break from round five to six so may consider managing loads over that period. - Callum Twomey

Get them in: If veteran ruckman Aaron Sandilands needs a rest then Lloyd Meek seems in line for a debut, while uncapped rookie defender Taylin Duman has been in strong form at Peel.

Under the pump: Tommy Sheridan hasn't done a whole lot wrong in two games but could make way if a few runners push to return.

Medical room: Doig medallist Bradley Hill has missed two games now with his sore knee but might be ready to return against the Bulldogs. Ed Langdon could also be back after illness.

Verdict: Selection will come down to fitness and freshness, but Hill should be ready to return and the Dockers will hope Sandilands is ready to go against Dogs rookie ruck Tim English. - Travis King

The Dockers would love to welcome back reigning best and fairest Bradley Hill. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Second-year swingman Timm House could be Geelong's answer for a key defender after 28 possessions in the VFL. Zac Smith, who hasn't featured since round one, worked into the game, while Jackson Thurlow had 11 touches in the final term. Stewart Crameri has now played four VFL matches while carryover emergency James Parsons will be fresh after he was dropped. 

Under the pump: Defender Zach Guthrie didn't have a great deal to do with St Kilda's lacklustre attacking effort but managed six disposals, Esava Ratugolea (six touches) might be due for a rest on a six-day break and Jordan Murdoch (17 disposals) is yet to lock in his spot. 

Medical room: Small forward Cory Gregson's foot injury will see him miss.

Verdict: Parsons for Gregson is a like for like, while Thurlow will be considered for Guthrie if the Cats want more run, or House if they're after more height. - Mitch Cleary

Get them in: After 36 disposals in the NEAFL opener, Michael Barlow topped it with 46 at the weekend. The midfield veteran has his shortcomings, but those numbers are hard to ignore.

Under the pump: It would be hard to leave him out for a QClash, but Michael Rischitelli was well below his best against West Coast.

Medical room: The Suns will eagerly await the results of Ben Ainsworth's concussion testing during the week after the young forward was knocked out against the Eagles. The calf injury for Peter Wright is now almost out to two months with no sign of a return.

Verdict: Coach Stuart Dew has shown some loyalty in the first month but will make changes to play the Lions. Ainsworth's health is critical, but Rischitelli's spot could be in jeopardy regardless, paving the way for Barlow and others to come in. - Michael Whiting

Get them in: Young defender Isaac Cumming had 30 possessions in the NEAFL last week and has hit some form after a pre-season calf issue. The potential debutant could play in the backline to release Lachie Whitfield, who is struggling with some added attention in defence, back onto the wing.

Under the pump: Ruckman Dawson Simpson was solid against Fremantle veteran Aaron Sandilands last week but if Rory Lobb proves his fitness, he'll be forced to make way. Harry Himmelberg could be another looked at.

Medical room: Lobb (knee) and star midfielder Josh Kelly (groin) could return to face St Kilda but they'll need to train well on Wednesday to prove their fitness.

Verdict: The ladder leaders aren't likely to make any unforced changes, so they're expected to keep their winning 22 unless Kelly and Lobb come back in. - Adam Curley

Josh Kelly is a chance but no guarantee to come back in for the Giants. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Midfielder James Cousins continues to slay them at VFL level and must be on the verge of a senior recall with another 30 touches for Box Hill, while Ryan Burton took his omission from the side in the right fashion, with 22 touches and two goals in difficult conditions.

Under the pump: Can’t imagine any form-related omissions from the side after such an impressive performance against Melbourne on Sunday.

Medical room: Cyril Rioli (knee) and Paul Puopolo (hamstring) won’t play for several weeks, so Hawthorn’s forward mix will have a different shape and look starting Sunday against North Melbourne.

Verdict: Burton and Cousins for Rioli and Puopolo, although Will Langford – save for his goalkicking – played that defensive forward role really well last year in that pair’s absence. He is a chance for a recall. - Ashley Browne

Get them in:  After a nightmare loss to Hawthorn there will be changes and, possibly, plenty of them. Dom Tyson is likely to return after illness, while Jayden Hunt is a strong chance to be recalled after a best afield performance for Casey. Sam Weideman and Cameron Pedersen will also be considered as Melbourne looks to tweak its forward structure. Mitch Hannan and Billy Stretch are others who will come into the mix.

Under the pump: Where do you start? Josh Wagner, Tomas Bugg, James Harmes, Jake Melksham and Sam Frost are all in the gun.

Medical room: Star Demons Jack Viney and Tom McDonald are getting closer to a return, but still 2-3 weeks away.

Verdict: Tyson for Harmes, Weideman for Bugg, Hunt for Wagner or Frost, and Hannan for Melksham. Time for coach Simon Goodwin to make a statement. - Ben Guthrie

Get them in: All eyes are on forgotten defender Sam Wright and untried former Giant Paul Ahern, who turned in sharp VFL performances with 25 and 29 disposals, respectively. Young forward Cameron Zurhaar is also in contention. 

Under the pump: Will North continue to play four defenders – Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson, Ed Vickers-Willis and Majak Daw – who are 190cm or taller? If not, Daw seems the most vulnerable. Kayne Turner put in an improved effort in round four. 

Medical room: Taylor Garner (groin) is a chance to play his first competitive game this season in the VFL this weekend, and shouldn't take long to regain his senior spot. Oscar Junker (concussion) returned in the state league last week.

Verdict: Wright should be an inclusion this week for his first AFL match since round 11, 2016, after consecutive strong games for North's VFL side. - Marc McGowan

Get them in: Midfield bull Sam Powell-Pepper is set to return from a club-imposed one-game suspension. Defender Jasper Pittard had 28 possessions in the SANFL in his first game back from a hamstring injury.

Under the pump: Tom Rockliff's slow start to life at the Power continued, averaging 12 possessions through four games. One of Riley Bonner, Dan Houston or Trent McKenzie might have to make room for Pittard.

Medical room: Rockliff had calf tightness in the loss to Essendon. The six-day break after playing at Etihad, coupled with his poor form, might be reason to give him a rest. Forward Todd Marshall needs to pass concussion tests this week.

Verdict: The Power are 3-1 so won't be making mass changes. Likely to be first in, first out. Powell-Pepper for Karl Amon, and Pittard for McKenzie. - Lee Gaskin

Port is likely to get Sam Powell-Pepper back from a club-imposed suspension. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: No one is coming back from injury while the VFL team had a bye. Nathan Broad is available, Jack Higgins and Sam Lloyd were unlucky to be dropped, and Anthony Miles and Corey Ellis were good in round one of the VFL.

Under the pump: Tough to single out poor performances from a 93-point win and Damien Hardwick made a point last week of keeping players in the team who were deserving of their spot.

Medical room: Daniel Rioli is the only player on the injury list with the Tigers hopeful of his return via the VFL in the next few weeks. Jack Graham is suspended for one week after failing in Tuesday night's tribunal challenge.

Verdict: Lloyd, Higgins, or Miles are obvious options to replace Graham. They'd have to shuffle the deck if Broad came in, or they could surprise with Ivan Soldo or even Callum Moore to stretch an under-siege Melbourne backline. - Jennifer Phelan

Get them in: Tough nut David Armitage picked up 34 disposals and 22 contested possessions for Sandringham and Billy Longer had 53 hit-outs against Geelong's Zac Smith. Josh Battle kicked a solitary goal while Bailey Rice impressed in defence.

Under the pump: Small forward Jack Lonie was quiet while Sam Gilbert would have expected to play better.

Medical room: A heart concern has ruled Dylan Roberton out while Tim Membrey (right knee) and Jimmy Webster (hip) need to prove their fitness. Rowan Marshall (concussion) is in a similar situation.

Verdict: Rice to make his debut in place of Roberton and Armitage to return for Lonie. - Dinny Navaratnam

Get them in: The Swans could have Gary Rohan back for Friday night's clash with Adelaide, but the club will likely leave the decision up to him after his personal tragedy last week.

Under the pump: Young forward Will Hayward had a quiet night against the Bulldogs last week so could be in trouble if Rohan is available.

Medical room: Superstar forward Lance Franklin trained on Monday and is right to play, despite sending a scare through the Swans camp when he looked to injure a shoulder last week.

Verdict: The Swans will place no pressure on Rohan, but the good news is that he's back at the club and both he and his wife Amie are receiving plenty of support. If he's in a good headspace he's likely to face the Crows and come in for Hayward. - Adam Curley

Get them in: With Daniel Venables set for a stint on the sidelines, it could open the door for Brayden Ainsworth to debut, although he has not played since March 30 due to East Perth's bye and being held over as emergency.

Under the pump: Young defender Jackson Nelson has had some shaky moments to start the season and could make way for Tom Cole.

Medical room: There is a watch on Brad Sheppard after two corked quads in successive weeks, while Luke Shuey failed to train on Monday with an ankle issue and Jack Redden has a sore shin.

Verdict: Ainsworth or Mark Hutchings appear in best position to replace Venables, but there won't be many unforced changes. - Travis King

Get them in: Versatile defender Zaine Cordy will return from a one-game ban for the clash against Fremantle, while important big man Jackson Trengove should also be on the plane to Perth if he passes a fitness test on a shoulder injury. Some glaring skill errors cost the Dogs the game against Sydney on the weekend, so expect coach Luke Beveridge to consider injecting some class into his side by replacing the suspended Lachie Hunter with either Patrick Lipinski or Lukas Webb. Key forward Tom Boyd returned to form with a five-goal haul in the VFL, but the premiership star will more than likely have to repeat that effort to earn a call up. Ruckman Jordan Roughead had an encouraging return from concussion, but could remain with Footscray due to Tim English's excellent form. Second-year key defender Lewis Young has been in excellent form for the 'Scray, but an expected undersized Docker attack should see him bide his time at state league level.

Under the pump: Hardworking midfielders Mitch Honeychurch and Lin Jong were serviceable against the Swans, but they need to improve their foot skills and offensive output if they're to keep Lipinski and Webb out of the side. In and out of the team over the past 12 months, defensive playmaker Shane Biggs hasn't been able to recapture the form that made him so important in the 2016 premiership triumph.

Medical room: Close to playing last week, Trengove just needs to pass a fitness test to face the Dockers.

Verdict: Cordy and Trengove will return, while Hunter (suspended) and Biggs (omitted) will be the outs. - Ryan Davidson

Jackson Trengove will play if he passes final fitness tests. Picture: AFL Photos