Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer could return from a minor calf problem and Nick Graham appears set to finally make his AFL debut in Carlton's blockbuster against Richmond at the MCG on Saturday. Defender Andrew McInnes could also be elevated to help fill the void left by Matthew Watson (fractured foot). Several others pressed their claims for senior recalls after strong performances in the VFL. David Ellard was best-afield with 29 disposals (12 contested) and multiple goal assists on his return from injury, omitted pair Kane Lucas (24 disposals) and Mitch Robinson (eight clearances, seven tackles and a long goal) responded well, Levi Casboult took 13 marks and kicked two goals in a forward/ruck role, Tom Bell had 23 touches and slotted two goals, while defenders Aaron Joseph and Marcus Davies were also prominent. - Ben Collins

An unchanged line-up for the past two weeks may well continue. The main query will relate to whether Ben Hudson is brought in to give Brodie Grundy further support. Beyond that, all eyes will be on the VFL team and whether Dale Thomas makes his long-awaited return and Darren Jolly has recovered well enough to resume his attempt to regain match fitness before the finals. Clinton Young remains one to two weeks away and is running out of time, particularly if the club's VFL team misses finals action. Alan Didak, Kyle Martin, Jarrod Witts and Tim Broomhead continue to keep pressure on the senior team. - Peter Ryan

There's likely to be a few changes at Essendon this week given the suspensions to Patrick Ryder and Dustin Fletcher, while Jason Winderlich is out with hamstring tightness. Elliott Kavanagh could be in contention, while Travis Colyer, Joe Daniher and Will Hams will push for a senior recall. Stewart Crameri, who leads the club's goalkicking, could also be in line to re-join the Bombers' attack after spending two weeks in the VFL to get some match fitness. - Callum Twomey

The Giants are keen to ease their troops through the final weeks of a tough campaign and will be resting and rotating some for the trip to Brisbane to face the Lions. As they did last year, players are already being put on the shelf in preparation for 2014, with Andrew Phillips and Jacob Townsend undergoing season-ending hip surgery last week. Coach Kevin Sheedy is contemplating whether to rest Jeremy Cameron, who he feels is right on the cusp of All Australian selection. In the reserves, Matt Buntine, Dom Tyson, Liam Sumner and Stephen Gilham all played well and could earn recalls this week. - James Dampney

The Hawks look certain to regain star forward Lance Franklin for Friday night's clash with Collingwood, after he missed last week with a hamstring niggle. Luke Hodge (thumb), Grant Birchall (knee) and Max Bailey (knee soreness) will all face tests, while Liam Shiels could come into contention after returning successfully from an ankle injury in the VFL on the weekend. Kyle Cheney continued his ultra-consistent form at Box Hill. - Mark Macgugan

Forgotten utility Nev Jetta played his best game for the season in the VFL on Sunday, kicking three goals to go with his 21 touches in Casey's big win against Frankston. Whether thats's enough to force his way back into the senior team is debatable, after Melbourne's midfield performed admirably against Gold Coast. Fellow mids Jimmy Toumpas (24 disposals, eight marks), David Rodan (23 touches, five inside 50s) and Sam Blease (20 possessions and a goal) were also solid at VFL level. In terms of talls, Max Gawn (22 disposals, 10 marks, 40 hit-outs) and James Sellar (12 marks, two goals) were dominant and could be called upon if the Demons need big man support. - Niall Seewang