Scott Thompson (hamstring) and James Podsiadly (soreness) are both chances to return to the senior line-up, while Tom Lynch (neck) hasn't been ruled out despite a trip to hospital last Sunday for scans. Brenton Sanderson will need a replacement for Andy Otten, who will require a knee reconstruction. Brent Reilly (19 disposals, seven rebound 50s) and Ben Rutten remain out of the side and could help fill the hole left by Otten, while Sam Shaw (20 disposals, six rebound-50s, one goal) is another – as long as his ankle is fine. Lewis Johnston (20 possessions, seven inside-50s, two goals) was played in defence at the weekend, perhaps adding him to the list of possible Otten replacements. Matt Crouch was, yet again, a star performer in the SANFL (31 possessions, one goal), as was Sam Kerridge (26 disposals, nine clearances) and Shaun McKernan (21 hit-outs, 17 disposals, two goals). - Harry Thring

Despite losing by 105 points against Adelaide at the weekend, the Lions don't have many alternatives for Saturday's match against Collingwood at the MCG. Omitted pair Ryan Lester and Claye Beams would surely come roaring back into contention, after the midfield was smashed at the stoppages by the Crows. Ash McGrath might also be a chance of returning to help out the spluttering forward line, although coach Justin Leppitsch seems keen to play the younger members of his squad. - Michael Whiting

Jobe Watson is considered a strong chance to return for the Bombers' big clash with West Coast on Saturday having not played since round 12 after hip surgery. The captain has stepped up his training load in recent weeks and would be a welcome addition to Essendon's midfield after two consecutive losses. Half-back Michael Hibberd, who has been missing with a slight hamstring injury, is also on track for a recall. Marty Gleeson made his VFL return last weekend after almost three months out with quad and groin issues but is likely to spend some more time before senior selection, while Tom Bellchambers, Nick O'Brien and Ariel Steinberg were also solid. - Callum Twomey 

Ruckman/forward Josh Walker was the Cats' best player in their VFL team's loss to North Ballarat on Sunday. Walker shouldered the rucking load after Dawson Simpson went down with back spasms. Nuggety midfielder Jordan Schroder, who has not played an AFL game this season but has been a consistent performer in the VFL, was another good player against the Roosters. Schroder finished the game with 22 disposals, 13 tackles and five clearances. Others pushing for a call-up to the AFL team include Billie Smedts, who tallied 12 touches, nine tackles and four inside-50s, and first-year midfielder Darcy Lang, who picked up 15 disposals and kicked a goal. - Adam McNicol

Steven May's hamstring injury poses a dilemma for Guy McKenna ahead of Saturday's last-chance match against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium. Clay Cameron seems a logical key defensive replacement, although Tom Murphy could be rushed back in to add some experience to the back half. Luke Russell appears to have overcome a hip injury and would add some much-needed run to the midfield, while Karmichael Hunt might need another game in the twos before he is considered for a senior call-up.  - Michael Whiting

Injuries have taken a major toll on the Giants this season, with Jeremy Cameron, Lachie Whitfield, Tom Scully and a host of other key personnel undergoing season-ending surgery in recent weeks. But the club's reserves are in outstanding form, just one win away from guaranteeing an NEAFL preliminary final berth after their victory over Queanbeyan last weekend. Defender Curtly Hampton made it through his first appearance since round 12 in that game following a shoulder injury and is a chance for a senior recall to face Melbourne at the MCG. Ruckmen Andrew Phillips and Jon Giles are also playing good football, while in-form midfielder Mark Whiley continues to press his claims and defender Stephen Gilham was pushed forward and bobbed up with six goals. - James Dampney

The Hawks' forward line is likely to need a major restructure against Fremantle. Coleman Medal leader Jarryd Roughead will miss the clash after accepting a one-week suspension for tripping, while it's doubtful Jack Gunston (medial ligament) will be risked. Tim O'Brien shapes as the most likely key forward inclusion, while ruckman Jonathan Ceglar could be brought in to free-up David Hale in attack. Full-back Brian Lake is available again after his four-game suspension and his possible senior return could unleash Matt Spangher in a swingman role. Brad Sewell impressed with his workrate in his VFL comeback and might be on the plane to Perth. – Travis King

Lachlan Hansen (hip) and Levi Greenwood (leg) were late withdrawals before North’s win over GWS, with the duo chances to return for Sunday’s clash against the Western Bulldogs. Aaron Black was subbed out of the game in Canberra with what appeared to be a minor shoulder issue. There was plenty of action at VFL level over the weekend. Daniel Wells suffered a knock to his shin in his long-awaited return but should be available this week. Other chances for senior call-ups could be Liam Anthony (25 disposals, 13 tackles, 10 clearances) and Mason Wood (24 disposals, two goals). Key defender Joel Tippett performed solidly in his first game back in the VFL, restricting Geelong’s Mitch Brown to a single goal. But he may require more game-time before being considered for senior selection. - Niall Seewang

Matt White (groin) and Aaron Young (foot) are set to return to the Power this weekend, adding some fresh run to the midfield group. Cam O'Shea or Kane Mitchell might make way for one or both inclusions. Tom Logan was brilliant in the Magpies' three-point SANFL loss, reminding Ken Hinkley he's ready-to-go. Logan amassed 40 possessions, took 18 marks and kicked two goals. Sam Gray was again very solid (21 disposals, three goals) and Brendon Ah Chee (28 disposals) was good in close. John Butcher could return to the SANFL side this weekend after contracting viral meningitis last week. - Harry Thring

After missing more than three months with a serious knee injury, Chris Knights is close to playing his first senior game for the year. The half-forward was outstanding in the VFL at the weekend, racking up 29 possessions, six clearances and two goals from the midfield. It was his fourth game in the state league since returning from injury. Ben Lennon, who last played at senior level in round 13, was also influential in the Tigers' big VFL win, finishing with 25 possessions and a goal. Club champion Dan Jackson has missed three games with a glute injury but he could prove his fitness this week. Tall forward Liam McBean has kicked 20 goals in his past five VFL games, including five at the weekend. Yet to debut for the Tigers, he sits atop the VFL goalkicking table and remains an in-form option. – Nathan Schmook 

The Saints will likely have to find replacements for Jack Billings, who tweaked his hamstring in the final stages of their loss to the Western Bulldogs, and Josh Bruce, who will have scans this week to assess the extent of the flare up of a shin complaint he's been carrying. But after Sandringham's 45-point win over Coburg they've got a few to choose from, while valuable backman Jarryn Geary is also due back from an elbow injury. Tom Simpkin presents as the logical replacement for Bruce, having played a strong game in the VFL, while Trent Dennis-Lane kicked five goals and Sam Dunell continued his good form. Clint Jones and Terry Milera also contributed with good performances while Nathan Wright continued to build in his return from a broken leg and Blake Acres came back from a quad injury.  - Jennifer Phelan

With Dan Hannebery returning from injury last weekend, and Nick Smith (back) expected to be included this week after his late withdrawal against Port Adelaide, the Swans are virtually at full strength. But coach John Longmire says spots are still up for grabs in his final 22, just three weeks out from the finals. Tom Mitchell is building his form and fitness in the reserves and would be the main possibility of a senior recall. Rookie Zak Jones, who has played three AFL matches in his first year at the club, is also progressing well after injury and could force his way in over the closing weeks. Otherwise the Swans are well settled, with late inclusion last week Jeremy Laidler the obvious choice to make way if Smith returns to fitness ahead of St Kilda's visit to the SCG on Saturday.- James Dampney

The Eagles will need to replace Xavier Ellis this week after the former Hawk damaged his AC joint in the win over Collingwood. Mark LeCras will be touch and go after missing last week with a tight calf. He will need to pass a fitness test later this week to be right to face Essendon. Jacob Brennan is an option as a running defender after 24 disposals in the WAFL. If they need a midfield option Brant Colledge collected 22 touches and kicked a goal for East Perth. Blayne Wilson and Simon Tunbridge each had 14 disposals in the WAFL. Tunbridge is a realistic option if the Eagles feel they are too tall with the three ruckmen. - Alex Malcolm