Check out every club's injury list and player return dates

Following the birth of his second child, a daughter named Tayla, gun forward Tom Lynch will return for the Crows this week against a red hot Sydney Swans outfit. Lynch withdrew from the side in the hours before the club's win over Richmond to be by his partner's side. Brad Crouch will miss at least another fortnight with a hamstring injury and Paul Seedsman will undergo a fitness test after being concussed last weekend. Charlie Cameron dominated in the SANFL with four goals as he continues his return to full fitness after knee surgery, while Cam Ellis-Yolmen (28 possessions), Dean Gore (26), Ricky Henderson (26) and Nathan van Berlo (26) also performed well. - Harry Thring 

The winless Lions are sweating on the fitness of midfield prime movers Tom Rockliff (calf) and Daniel Rich (hamstring) ahead of Saturday's QClash against Gold Coast at the Gabba. Rich was a late scratching from Sunday's loss against Geelong and should be right to resume his place, while Rockliff missed the loss against the Cats and is a little more problematic. Teenage draftee Ben Keays again put his name forward with another strong showing in the NEAFL. - Michael Whiting

In his second game since returning from hip surgery Lachie Plowman was impressive in defence for the Northern Blues in their VFL opening round match against Footscray at Whitten Oval last Sunday, finishing with 19 disposals and five marks. Defender Matthew Dick had a team-high 30 disposals across half-back and fellow backman Simon White, dropped for last Saturday night's game against Gold Coast, had 24. Dillon Viojo-Rainbow collected 25 disposals, with the wingman gathering 11 disposals and kicking a goal in the Blues' third-quarter revival. David Cuningham finished with 21 disposals. Former Bulldogs Jason Tutt (27 disposals) and Liam Jones (three goals) were prominent. - Howard Kotton 

Ex-Giant Lachie Plowman could shore up the Carlton defence this week. Picture: AFL Media

Steele Sidebottom will return from suspension and Travis Varcoe is likely to be given the all-clear with his hamstring, with both being welcome inclusions to a struggling Collingwood side that takes on Melbourne in a must-win clash at the MCG on Sunday. The Pies could make a raft of form-based changes and also need to find a replacement for Marley Williams (foot). Among the candidates from the Pies' VFL side, which defeated Port Melbourne, are leadership group member Brent Macaffer, who kicked two last-quarter goals, veteran Alan Toovey, key defender Jack Frost, midfielder Tim Broomhead and forward-turned-backman Jesse White. - Ben Collins 

There could be a few changes at Essendon this week ahead of its clash with the Cats as the Bombers try to find the right blend of youth and experience. Courtenay Dempsey's four-game suspension from last year has ended and he is available for selection, but might have a game through the VFL first. Nathan Grima will be considered after playing a full game in the VFL last week, as will Jayden Laverde, who is over a nagging ankle problem. The Bombers are also weighing up whether to upgrade a rookie, which would see one of Jake Long or Conor McKenna, who kicked three goals in the VFL, come into contention. Former Hawk forward Sam Grimley also booted three goals in the VFL as he pushes for his first game in Essendon colours. – Callum Twomey

The Dons need a big body like Nathan Grima in defence. Picture: AFL Media 

Ruckman Jon Griffin is a certain starter this week after the injury to Aaron Sandilands. He had 36 hit-outs for the second week in a row in the WAFL and will lead the rucks against North Melbourne with Zac Clarke still battling a knee issue. Jack Hannath had 15 hit-outs and kicked a goal for Peel to push his case as Ross Lyon would be wary of gambling with one specialist ruckman again against Todd Goldstein. Hayden Crozier is almost certain to come in after 30 disposals and three goals for Peel. Lyon mentioned Crozier as a contender following the derby loss. Matt Taberner kicked three goals for Peel to press his claim, while Darcy Tucker was held over as an emergency for the derby and is certainly in the frame to make his debut. Anthony Morabito had 23 disposals for Peel in his first game for 18 months but he will need to string a few more games together before being considered for senior selection. – Alex Malcolm 

Defender Tom Lonergan could return from a calf injury after being a late withdrawal for the game against the Brisbane Lions. The premiership defender might find himself with the task of quelling Joe Daniher. The Cats gave Cory Gregson a chance to get his body right and he will be considered, while George Horlin-Smith has his shoulder against the door just waiting for an opening in the midfield after plucking 30 disposals against the NAB AFL Academy squad. Jordan Murdoch was also freshened up and is in contention for a call-up depending on how his teammates pull up with a six-day break between games. - Peter Ryan 

Although the Suns have lost two defenders for the trip up the Pacific Highway to take on the Brisbane Lions on Saturday, they might well be replaced by two small forwards. Callum Ah Chee (illness) and Touk Miller (ankle) missed the last start win over Carlton but are almost certain to return against the Lions. With Trent McKenzie (nose) and Rory Thompson (ankle) unavailable, look for the Suns to shuffle Clay Cameron back to a key defensive post and possibly Nick Malceski from the wing to half-back. - Michael Whiting

Athletic forward Adam Tomlinson dominated the NEAFL for the second week running with another standout performance, and with the senior side struggling for tall targets inside 50 he'll be a big chance to come in to face Port Adelaide, particularly with Aidan Corr out for a month with an ankle injury. Tough midfielder Jack Steele gathered 32 possessions for the reserves against the Sydney Swans after being dropped following the Giants' opening round loss to Melbourne, and the Canberra local is a chance to be recalled for the Power clash in his home town. No.7 draft pick Jacob Hopper moved himself closer to a senior debut by also gathering plenty of the ball, while talented defender Nick Haynes got through another match and shouldn't be too far away from his first game of the year after making his way back from off-season groin surgery. - Adam Curley 

The Giants may look to bring Jack Steele back after a quiet round one game. Picture: AFL Media

Don't expect many changes to the side to travel to Launceston on Saturday for the clash with the Saints. Skipper Luke Hodge and speedster Bradley Hill might have all but recovered from their wrist injuries but the Hawthorn way, as was the case with Liam Shiels already this year, is to give them an extra week to prepare despite their apparent readiness to play. The Hawks won't overlook the Saints this weekend but the round five MCG clash with Adelaide that follows is shaping as a big one and certainly Hodge, and perhaps Hill, shape as key returns for that one. Sunday's clash with the Bulldogs was tough and taxing, but the Hawks embrace six-day breaks with relish and the likelihood is they will be unchanged for their first Saturday game of the season. Box Hill kicked off the VFL season with a comfortable 37-point win over Sandringham, in which Brendan Whitecross, Dallas Willsmore, Marc Pittonet and Tim O'Brien were all among the best players. Hawthorn's depth has already been tested this year and appears to be standing up well. - Ashley Browne

The Casey Scorpions' 144-point victory against Frankston saw some fine performances from Melbourne-listed players. Angus Brayshaw responded to his omission from the senior side in the best possible fashion with 29 disposals and two goals. Alex Neal-Bullen continued his strong from with another 28 touches. Christian Petracca already looks a step above VFL level after racking up 28 disposals and two goals in his first match for the Scorpions. The Demons will continue to be patient with the talented youngster, keen to have him in top shape before making his AFL debut. Young key forward Sam Weideman again impressed with four majors. However, former captain Jack Trengove was concussed in the opening minutes of the game as he continues his comeback from a career-threatening foot injury. Oscar McDonald may also be in selection contention after overcoming an ankle injury. - Ben Guthrie 

Developing forward Mason Wood couldn't have done much more to get a game against Fremantle after booting three majors from 36 touches, with 12 marks and six inside 50s in Werribee's come-from-behind win over Essendon in round one of the VFL. The 22-year-old competed strongly for the footy on the deck and in the air in a complete performance, while rookie Robin Nahas was almost as influential with four goals and could be elevated if Taylor Garner (hamstring) is ruled out. First-year midfielder Declan Mountford pushed his case with 24 touches, seven clearances and seven tackles. Farren Ray (29 touches) and Corey Wagner (22) also impressed. - Travis King 

All eyes will be focused on star pair Hamish Hartlett and Chad Wingard at training this week as the duo look to return to the Power’s line up. Hartlett has missed two games with hamstring injury and the club has missed his class in and around contests, while Wingard would be a massive inclusion if he can also overcome a hamstring issue this week. If they pass a fitness test on Wednesday both are expected to be named. Jay Schulz will also be assessed, but remains unlikely to return as he battles a back injury. Kane Mitchell carved up in the SANFL with 26 disposals, 10 clearances and two goals, Sam Colquhoun was prolific (30 disposals), Dougal Howard was impressive after his AFL omission (11 disposals, 19 hit-outs, two goals) and rookie Will Snelling was typically gutsy with 24 possessions, five tackles, eight clearances and two goals. - Harry Thring 

Hamish Hartlett's hamstring has been a constant issue for the Power midfielder. Picture: AFL Media

The Tigers have strong-bodied midfielders Adam Marcon (24 disposals and eight clearances) and Andrew Moore (24 and 15 tackles) performing at VFL level if they opt for mature bodies against West Coast this week. The hurdle for that pair, however, would be overcoming a five-day break before Friday night's match. The short break will likely keep ruckman Ivan Maric out of the senior team for one more week after he returned from a back injury through the VFL at the weekend. Rookie Jason Castagna deserves an opportunity at AFL level more than any of the Tigers' untried players and was arguably the Tigers' best in the VFL. He was thrown on-ball against Williamstown on Sunday and asked to provide pressure with a view to playing a similar role at AFL level. He finished with nine tackles and seven clearances, kicking a classy goal on the run from 45m. - Nathan Schmook 

If either Nick Riewoldt or Paddy McCartin do not get up after concussions against Collingwood, Tim Membrey could play against Hawthorn. Defender Dylan Roberton will miss with a knee injury, opening the door for Tom Lee or Hugh Goddard. Lee was an emergency against the Pies in round three and is playing in defence. The Saints may not want another tall option though, perhaps paving the way for Cameron Shenton. Sam Gilbert could shift to defence for Roberton, opening the door for midfielder Blake Acres. He had 34 disposals in the VFL and has been in reasonable form. - Dinny Navaratnam

Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh will train again this week in a bid to play in Saturday night's massive game against Adelaide, but coach John Longmire is yet to decide if he'll bring the star straight back in after his limited pre-season or send him to get some game time in the NEAFL. The Swans reserves had a good win over Greater Western Sydney last week with Dean Towers, James Rose (four goals) and Brandon Jack all impressive, but with the senior side on top of the ladder, there are few opportunities at the top level. In further good signs for the club's depth, untried defenders Aliir Aliir, Nic Newman and Harry Marsh are all in good form, with Irish international rookie Colin O'Riordan also showing plenty in the reserves. - Adam Curley 

A month ago, Jarrad McVeigh was coaching the Swans. Now he may be ready to play. Picture: AFL Media

The Eagles do have some sore bodies and have a second consecutive six-day break to contend with. Mark Hutchings was held out of the WAFL with a hamstring niggle last week and whether he needs time in the WAFL before being in contention for the Eagles is debatable. If the Eagles need a midfielder then Kane Lucas is ready to go after 29 possessions for East Perth. Patrick McGinnity had 25 touches and kicked two goals for the Royals and could be a chance if Jamie Cripps can't recover from a knee knock. Rookie Corey Adamson had 24 disposals and kicked three goals in his best performance at WAFL level since switching from baseball but the Eagles would probably want to see him string a few weeks together. Tom Lamb and Tom Cole have been emergencies the last two weeks are in the frame again this week. Matthew Allen kicked three goals and is progressing well but will likely only get his chance if an injury occurred to Josh Kennedy or Jack Darling. – Alex Malcolm

After the heart-break news of Robert Murphy's season-ending knee injury, the Dogs have several options to stand in for their inspirational leader. Second-year playmaker Lukas Webb has been in fine form in the VFL, racking up plenty of the ball and using his deadly left foot with great effect. Former Lions' skipper Jed Adcock now becomes a very handy addition, with the 29-year-old's versatility and experience likely to be called upon. Easton Wood was a late withdrawal against the Hawks and Luke Beveridge will be hoping his All Australian defender has overcome a hamstring complaint and be fit to captain the side in Murphy's absence. Midfielder Mitch Honeychurch (34 possessions and two goals), key defender Kieran Collins (24 possessions) and Bailey Dale (two goals) were again standout players in the VFL. Goalsneak Tory Dickson has finally overcome adductor and quad injuries and is available to face Carton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday tonight, but expect the 28-year-old to resume through the VFL after not playing since week one of the NAB Challenge. - Ryan Davidson