IT'S DO-OR-DIE time for the four teams contesting the second week of the finals.
With preliminary finals on the horizon, clubs are sweating on form and injuries as they head to the selection table.
Our reporters take a look at the arguments for and against selecting individual players, and predict the likely ins and outs for the semi-finals.
GEELONG
Injuries: The Cats have already ruled out Cameron Guthrie (calf), and Nakia Cockatoo is still another week away from a return from a hamstring injury. Jake Kolodjashnij (calf tightness) has been cleared to play.
Under the pump: As flagged by coach Chris Scott on Wednesday, Daniel Menzel will come into the side to replace Guthrie. James Parsons appeared to be hampered by a foot injury against the Tigers and is no certainty to retain his place. Kolodjashnij was also sore, and although he has been passed fit, the Cats may decide they need to make another change.
In the frame: With the Cats in need of proven goalkickers, Menzel will be recalled after being dropped ahead of the qualifying final loss against Richmond. With Harry Taylor expected to shift back to defence, the Cats will debate whether to bring in Wylie Buzza and/or Rhys Stanley (who has overcome a calf problem) to provide another target up forward. The slippery conditions forecast for Friday night may be a factor in the club's thinking. Midfielder Jackson Thurlow and forward Darcy Lang are also in the mix.
Verdict: Scott has conceded the club erred in not selecting Menzel for the clash against Richmond, and the forward will be eager to prove his worth against the Swans. If the weather permits, the Cats are likely to select one of Stanley or Buzza. Buzza was unlucky to lose his place in the side after round 23, and his competitiveness and ability to create a contest will be important for the Cats if picked. Jackson Thurlow has not played at AFL level since round 22, but his ability to hit targets by foot could be exactly what Geelong needs after it was stagnant with the ball against the Tigers. - Ben Guthrie
Wylie Buzza is a chance to return for the Cats. Picture: AFL Photos
SYDNEY
Injuries: Lance Franklin sat out most of the fourth quarter of last Saturday's win over Essendon with a corked quad. He's ticked all the boxes this week and will be fine to play. Young defender Lewis Melican was a late scratching with a quad injury, but looks to have got through training well and is in the mix to regain his spot.
Under the pump: Harry Cunningham was a late inclusion to replace Melican, which helped with the Swans' speed and defensive pressure. He did his job well, finishing with 19 disposals, but the 'last man in' would always be a bit nervous. Gary Rohan was quiet against the Bombers with just seven disposals, but he doesn't need many touches to have a big impact and is in no danger of losing his spot.
In the frame: Melican is the main consideration for coach John Longmire. He's been a mainstay for much of his first season and done a sound job in defence. Kurt Tippett got through the NEAFL Grand Final strongly, but with Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair doing a terrific job against the Bombers, he would need an injury to sneak into the 22.
Verdict: Pretty hard to tinker with a team that has won 15 from 17, and unfortunately for Melican, it might be hard to squeeze him back in. Slippery conditions are expected on Friday night, and with Heath Grundy and Dane Rampe in such good form in the key posts, having the extra runner in Cunningham might be the best option. - Michael Whiting
Last week's late withdrawal, Lewis Melican, may be unlucky this week. Picture: AFL Photos
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Injuries: The Giants lost Jeremy Cameron (hamstring) and Shane Mumford (foot) for the season on Monday, and Ryan Griffen (ankle) is set to join them, but the better news is that Devon Smith (knee) and Brett Deledio (Achilles) trained well on Wednesday.
Under the pump: Despite a quiet game last week coach Leon Cameron guaranteed that Deledio will play successive finals for the first time in his career, and with the loss of two key players already, there are unlikely to be any more changes for the Eagles clash.
In the frame: Veteran Steve Johnson and Smith will replace Cameron and Mumford if they pull up well from Wednesday's main session, with Tim Taranto ready to go should one or both have any more issues with their knee problems. Dawson Simpson is an outside chance, but GWS are likely to go small and use Rory Lobb as the No.1 ruckman.
Verdict: Assuming all goes well, Johnson and Smith will come in to add their experience and finishing skills to the forward half, with Jon Patton to help out Lobb in the ruck. Youngster Harry Himmelberg will have the task of keeping All Australian defender Jeremy McGovern accountable. - Adam Curley
Devon Smith trained well this week and is a likely selection. Picture: AFL Photos
WEST COAST
Injuries: The Eagles are relatively healthy. The only would-be regulars unavailable are looming retiree Sam Butler and ruckman Scott Lycett, who have both had shoulder surgery.
Under the pump: Veteran forward Mark LeCras was quiet against the Power and went goalless but it would be a major shock if he was omitted. Youngster Luke Partington played his role as a defensive forward and is also expected to hold his spot.
Although quiet lately, Mark LeCras is excpected to retain his spot. Picture: AFL Photos
In the frame: Nic Naitanui is pushing to make a fairytale return from his knee reconstruction against GWS, and if he satisfies medical staff that he could run out about 70 minutes of game time it will come down to a selection call. Sharrod Wellingham and Chris Masten were the travelling emergencies last week and will remain in the mix if the Eagles believe they need fresh legs. Half-backs Will Schofield and Jackson Nelson, plus goalsneaks Willie Rioli and Josh Hill are also in the wings.
Verdict: There will be debate about Naitanui, but it would be a huge gamble bringing the star ruckman in on limited minutes. West Coast has enough trouble with running out matches as it is, and Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie were superb in quelling Port star Paddy Ryder. While plenty has been made of the Eagles' back-to-back travel and 140 minutes' game time they do have a seven-day break between matches, which could reduce the need for fresh legs. The Eagles are riding a wave of emotion and momentum and will be tempted to stick with the same 22 that got the job done against the Crows and Power. - Travis King
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