Defender Luke Brown and forward Mitch McGovern could return for Thursday night's clash with Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval. Brown has been sidelined since he fractured his cheekbone in the round 11 loss to Geelong at Simonds Stadium. McGovern booted four goals in the SANFL on June 10 in his first game back since a hamstring tendon injury against Port Adelaide in round three. However, he had his game time managed and may be given another week in the SANFL to build his match fitness. Winger Paul Seedsman will need more time in the SANFL after playing his first game of the season returning from a groin complaint. The Crows' SANFL team had a bye last weekend. - Lee Gaskin
Coach Chris Fagan is unlikely to make many changes for Saturday's match against Greater Western Sydney after last week's competitive showing against Port Adelaide. One man who put his name up though was young forward Josh Schache, who regained some form with five goals in the NEAFL. Rohan Bewick, Tom Bell and Cedric Cox also impressed at the lower level and will come into consideration. - Michael Whiting
Ciaran Byrne’s comeback from a knee reconstruction gathered further momentum last Saturday, collecting 18 disposals for the Northern Blues against Werribee at Ikon Park last Saturday. Defender Simon White was the Blues' best, finishing with 24 disposals. Rhys Palmer (29 disposals, two goals), Nick Graham (28 disposals, two goals) and Sam Kerridge (24) continue to press their claims for a return to the seniors. Clever forward Jarrod Pickett showed his class with two goals. - Howard Kotton
Swingman Ben Reid (quad) appears set to be a huge inclusion for the Magpies' must-win clash with Port Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday. The Pies could also regain Travis Varcoe (hamstring) and possibly Tyson Goldsack (shoulder) and Jamie Elliott (ankle). Others who might enter the selection frame include defenders Henry Schade and Jackson Ramsay, forward/ruckman Mason Cox, little man Jarryd Blair and ex-Docker Chris Mayne. - Ben Collins
The Bombers are coming off the bye but could have an important addition this week if Darcy Parish gets through training. The young midfielder has missed the club's past two matches with a calf injury but will be on the verge of selection this week for Friday night's clash with the Swans at the SCG. Given the Bombers' past game was their impressive win over Port Adelaide, a raft of changes would seem unlikely this week. But Kyle Langford, Aaron Francis, Craig Bird and Jackson Merrett could come into Essendon's thinking, as might ruckman Matthew Leuenberger, who has been usurped by Tom Bellchambers as the Dons' No.1 big man in recent weeks. - Callum Twomey
Darcy Parish may return from a calf injury against the Swans. Picture: AFL Photos
Giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands has now had a month off due to hamstring tendon inflammation and the Dockers will be desperate to get the influential big man back for the daunting trip to Geelong. Freo will make at least one change from the pre-bye defeat to the Lions after losing tenacious forward Brady Grey to a hamstring injury. Ed Langdon has managed knee soreness recently but is a likely replacement if fit. Goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne should be available but appears more likely to start at Peel after a month recovering from his latest hamstring setback. Peel also had the bye last round but young gun Griffin Logue was named the Thunder's best before the break, while upgraded rookie Ryan Nyhuis is a chance to debut after travelling to Brisbane but missing out. - Travis King
Tom Hawkins will return after serving a one-match suspension and Mark Blicavs is likely to be available after missing last week's loss to West Coast with soreness, which is timely given the Cats will lose two to injury. Scott Selwood will miss at least one match with "a little tear" in his hamstring, but the news is worse for Nakia Cockatoo, who isn't expected to play until late in the season after suffering his second hamstring injury in a month. Others in contention are George Horlin-Smith, Jackson Thurlow and Jordan Cunico after strong VFL performances, and Wylie Buzza has continued to press his case for a senior debut. - Jennifer Phelan
Running defender Jarrod Harbrow will return for Sunday's must-win match against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium after serving his club-imposed two-week ban for drink driving. Harbrow has been one of the Suns' best in 2017, and his composure and leadership was sorely missed against Carlton last week. Don't be surprised if veteran Michael Rischitelli is also rushed back into the team after one game in the NEAFL following 11 months out with an ACL injury. The Suns are looking for leadership with Michael Barlow (fractured leg) and Matt Rosa (suspension) to miss. - Michael Whiting
Big man Rory Lobb could be available to take on the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday after missing the past three matches with a groin injury. The exciting forward will should come in if he can get through training this week without any mishaps. With star midfielder Josh Kelly (hip) in doubt for the trip north, GWS academy product Jeremy Finlayson could be in line for his debut after continuing his outstanding form with 34 possessions in his last NEAFL outing before last week's bye, while veteran Tendai Mzungu and forward Daniel Lloyd are also a chance to be recalled. Defender Nick Haynes and draftee Will Setterfield should make their returns this week after long stints on the sidelines. Haynes hasn't played since hurting a hamstring tendon against the Western Bulldogs in round six, while Setterfield has been missing since suffering a syndesmosis injury to his ankle in the NEAFL in round three. Both players are likely to play in the reserves on managed game time if they can prove their fitness during the week. - Adam Curley
Rory Lobb has missed three matches with a groin injury. Picture: AFL Photos
Grant Birchall (knee), Luke Hodge (groin soreness) and Luke Breust (illness) will all return for the Hawks' second trip to Adelaide in a month – this time to face the Crows on Thursday night. Birchall, who has played just three matches this year shapes as an important inclusion because of his run and clever distribution off half-back. The Hawks need a plan for Rory Sloane and while Alastair Clarkson normally eschews hard tags, this might week be an exception. The fitness query is over Josh Gibson, who hurt his groin in Hawthorn's last match. 2017 has been a battle for the dual best and fairest but he remains structurally important. It is time for the Hawks to play young defensive talls Kaiden Brand and Kurt Heatherley together at AFL level to see how they go. - Ashley Browne
Melbourne will finally welcome back star ruckman Max Gawn from injury for its trip to play West Coast in Perth. Gawn has not played since suffering a serious hamstring injury against Geelong in round three, and the big man will be a significant addition to a side that has notched three consecutive wins. Nathan Jones (quad) and Jack Watts (hamstring) are in doubt to get up for the game, particularly with a six-day turnaround. Defender Michael Hibberd is also sore and is no certainty to take his place in the side. Jay Kennedy-Harris racked up 33 disposals in his second-straight best afield performance in the VFL, while Josh Wagner was again prominent with 27 disposals for Casey. Jack Trengove (29 touches) continues to win the pill, and rookie-listed midfielder Corey Maynard (28) edges closer to a senior debut. - Ben Guthrie
Max Gawn will be back after being missing since round three. Picture: AFL Photos
Jamie Macmillan (hamstring tightness) was a late withdrawal on Friday night, but is a strong chance to return against the Bulldogs on Saturday. Former captain Andrew Swallow and physical ruckman Braydon Preuss continue to make compelling cases for an AFL recall with outstanding VFL form. Swallow has racked up 64 disposals across his past two outings for Werribee to put himself back in the mix. Brad Scott is adamant making finals is still the goal and the Roos will pick sides in conjunction with that, so that works in Swallow's favour. Another selection factor is how Jarrad Waite pulls up after his head hit the ground in a tackle late in the match against St Kilda. Sam Durdin, the young key defender who sustained a concussion in the VFL, played up forward in his last AFL game and would be one of the potential replacements if Waite didn't come up. More likely is Majak Daw gets a call-up, or possibly Preuss. Mitch Hibberd had 17 touches in the VFL and could offer some flexibility. Lindsay Thomas kicked two goals in his VFL return but will be unavailable after copping a one-match ban for striking. - Marc McGowan
Defender Jasper Pittard could get an immediate recall for Saturday's clash with Collingwood at the MCG. Pittard had an equal team-high 23 possessions for the Port Adelaide Magpies in their 32-point loss to Sturt in the SANFL last weekend. Pittard was dropped last weekend for the first time since Ken Hinkley took over as coach of the Power in 2013. Brendon Ah Chee, Jesse Palmer and Jimmy Toumpas will be considered to replace injured winger Jared Polec. Skipper Travis Boak could shift to the wing, allowing Ah Chee or Palmer to play the half-forward/midfield role. Forward Brett Eddy continues to knock the door down with six goals in the SANFL. - Lee Gaskin
Nick Vlastuin was close to returning from a shoulder injury in round 13 and appears very likely to play at some level this week after missing six weeks. He will need to pass a fitness test this week. Midfielder Anthony Miles keeps finding the ball at VFL level and has had 35, 34 and 32 possessions in his past three matches. It is not the midfield that is of most concern, however, with the small forwards who have served the club so well this season going quiet offensively against Sydney. If change is needed then Ben Lennon (16 goals from his past six VFL games) is the best option. Steve Morris also booted four goals at the weekend as a small forward. - Nathan Schmook
A return for forward Paddy McCartin could be on the cards, although he's no certainty to win a spot in the team to face Gold Coast on Sunday even if he overcomes bone bruising in his knee. He trained with the main group on Tuesday, but it's unlikely the Saints will play four talls in attack, meaning Tim Membrey would likely have to be dropped for McCartin to return. Sandringham had the bye in the VFL last weekend so Jack Steele didn't have a chance to press his claims for a senior spot. Billy Longer was again beaten in the ruck and Tom Hickey would be the next option there, if St Kilda chooses to go that way. Young backman Bailey Rice was on the cusp of debuting last week before Jake Carlisle overcame a hamstring corkie. Rice would likely be relying on an injury in defence if he's to be picked. - Dinny Navaratnam
Paddy McCartin faces a battle to win back his spot on the forward line. Picture: AFL Photos
With midfielder Zak Jones out of Friday night's clash with Essendon due to suspension, coach John Longmire needs to make at least one change for round 14. Former co-captain Jarrad McVeigh is a chance to resume from a hamstring injury but he'll need to get through training on Wednesday and pull up well to have any hope of playing just his third game for the year. Key defender Lewis Melican was dropped for last week's win over Richmond for team balance, but given that the Bombers have plenty of tall talent in the forward line, he could come back in. Longmire has plenty of players in great form in the NEAFL, with Jordan Dawson and Oliver Florent leading the way. The youngsters shared 61 possessions and eight goals in the reserves last week, and have been in outstanding touch. Dan Robinson (jaw) made a successful return in the NEAFL with 28 touches, six tackles and two goals, while Brandon Jack, James Rose, Jordan Foote and Jeremy Laidler are other Swans who continue to put pressure on the senior team. - Adam Curley
West Coast is sweating on star spearhead Josh Kennedy's fitness after he missed the past two games with a calf strain, and the dual Coleman medallist is no certainty to return against Melbourne. The Eagles will be forced into at least one change replacing dashing defender Jackson Nelson (hamstring), with Sharrod Wellingham and Sam Butler leading candidates to come in. Midfielder Chris Masten (28 disposals at East Perth) is knocking on the door after two WAFL games, while Jack Redden laid nine tackles – a highlight of West Coast's win over Geelong – and had 26 touches. Youngster Luke Partington (17 disposals, one goal) continues to push for a debut, while small forward Josh Hill (12, two goals) and Malcolm Karpany (16, one) will also be in discussions. Big man Scott Lycett (12, 10 hit-outs), or journeyman Jonathan Giles (15, 35), might be considered with Melbourne's star ruckman Max Gawn returning this Saturday night, although Nathan Vardy was outstanding against Geelong. - Travis King
With the reigning premiers smarting from back-to-back thrashings at the hands of Sydney and Melbourne, it will be fascinating to see what the unpredictable Luke Beveridge does at the selection table. Midfielder Lin Jong is one definite change after rupturing his ACL against the Demons. Third-year midfielder Lukas Webb looms as an ideal replacement for Jong, with the 21-year-old continuing his stellar state league form with 27 possessions and a goal. Matthew Boyd responded to being dumped to the VFL with 19 disposals, but the 2016 All Australian is no certainty to be recalled. Premiership forward Clay Smith made a successful return from a calf injury for Footscray, racking up 20 touches, eight tackles and two goals. Skipper Robert Murphy is a chance to return from a hamstring injury sustained in round 10, while impressive youngster Bailey Williams should would also be in Beveridge’s thoughts. - Ryan Davidson
