Michael Doughty (corked hamstring) and Richard Tambling (ankle) should be available to play against Carlton on Saturday night, but defenders Scott Stevens (illness) and Luke Thompson (ankle) remain in doubt. Ruckman Ivan Maric was subbed out of the game against Port Adelaide and is under pressure to retain his spot. Sam Jacobs could play his first game for the Crows against his old club after two weeks in the local league, while Brad Moran and James Sellar will also be considered.
CARLTON
A few Blues have been under the microscope over the past fortnight and there could be a few unforced changes ahead of Saturday night's clash against Adelaide. Paul Bower will surely play his first AFL game of the season after a second run in the VFL and Brock McLean must also be nearing a return after getting another match under his belt. Bret Thornton booted four goals for the Bullants as did Setanta O'hAilpin, who was named in the Ants' best along with David Ellard and Aaron Joseph.
COLLINGWOOD
Darren Jolly was expected to miss just one week with the knee soreness he developed in round three so he should return for Anzac Daym while Ben Reid has been declared fit despite hyper-extending his shoulder on Friday night. Tyson Goldsack and John McCarthy are pushing for senior selection after strong showings in the VFL while Brad Dick wasn't as potent in attack as he has been recently on the weekend but still has a few good games behind him.
ESSENDON
If there’s any positive to come from the season-ending knee injuries to Jason Winderlich and Courtenay Dempsey it's that Essendon has a number of possible replacements who can fill their shoes. Kyle Reimers, Alwyn Davey and Michael Hibberd will come into contention to play on Anzac Day, while David Hille is sure to play against Collingwood after impressing in the VFL last weekend.
FREMANTLE
Nick Suban will miss at least two months with a broken leg, but Garrick Ibbotson, who was Fremantle's substitute last Sunday, becomes an immediate replacement across half-back. Tough on-baller Nick Lower could return after being named as an emergency against the Roos, while accountable midfielder Jesse Crichton is also close after a consistent month in the WAFL. Michael Walters, who was dropped last week after playing the opening three games, had 16 possessions and kicked a goal in the WAFL.
GEELONG
The Cats had plenty of sore players after their win over the Sydney Swans in the wet at the SCG. But with a 10-day break between that game and their next assignment against Hawthorn at the MCG on the Anzac Day holiday, they've all got plenty of time to recover. Midfielder Mitch Duncan, who missed the clash against the Swan due to general soreness, is a good chance to be recalled, while forward Mathew Stokes has overcome his bout of neck soreness. Mark Blake and Trent West are waiting in the wings if Chris Scott decides he needs a second ruckman.
HAWTHORN
It's difficult to see too many changes to a Hawks side that has won three on the trot. After choosing not to replace injured Ben Stratton with a fellow defender to face West Coast last week, Alastair Clarkson may look to bring in Tom Murphy to provide extra support for Stephen Gilham and Josh Gibson against Geelong. Small forward Michael Osborne missed on Saturday with calf tightness and will be tested, while Brendan Whitecross and Kyle Cheney were in Box Hill's best on Sunday and might also be considered.
GOLD COAST
The Suns are almost certain to welcome back Brownlow medallist and captain Gary Ablett for Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium. Ablett missed Sunday's loss against Melbourne with a calf injury, but coach Guy McKenna said he was all but certain to line up against the Power. The Suns are also light on defenders, with Michael Coad's severe hamstring injury adding to the absence of suspended Campbell Brown. Strong left-footer Steven May could come into contention.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Daniel Pratt strengthened his chances of a senior recall with another solid performance in defence with North Ballarat in the VFL. Jamie Macmillan, Ben Ross, Ben Warren and Ben McKinley (five goals) are also likely to be considered for senior selection after all starred in Werribee's big win over Collingwood. Rookie Majak Daw was one of the Kangaroos' best performers in that game, thrilling fans from both sides with an explosive running goal, but is unlikely to be elevated to North's senior list until later in the season.
PORT ADELAIDE
Experienced players Kane Cornes and Danyle Pearce could be forced to spend another week in the SANFL following the Power's come-from-behind win over Adelaide last weekend. Forward Jay Schulz (knee) won't play against Gold Coast, but is nearing a comeback, while recruits Ben Jacobs (glandular fever) and Simon Phillips (jaw) could return from long injury layoffs in the local league.
RICHMOND
Damien Hardwick welcomes back tall defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance from suspension in time to face North Melbourne and he could be tempted into a couple more unforced changes as he looks for the Tigers' first win of the season. Jayden Post was rated Coburg's best in the loss to the Bullants, with Matt Dea, Andrew Browne and Shane Tuck also among the best players. Kel Moore will likely miss one more week with a hip complaint.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs will be well rested coming out of the bye, but have a few to pick from if they decide to make changes anyway. Will Minson and Patrick Veszpremi each kicked four goals in the VFL on the weekend while the depth of the side was demonstrated by strong performances from Mitch Wallis and Andrew Hooper, with the former considered to have played his best game yet for Williamstown. Sam Reid is also looking good after finally getting his body right.
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
