• The run home: plenty of jostling for top-four and finals spots
• Nine things we learned from round 19
• Around the state leagues: how your seconds performed
• The injury list: Your club's sidelined players

Adelaide

There's little room for change after Adelaide demolished Richmond last Friday night, particularly given the Crows finished the game injury-free. But Matt Wright answered his omission as best he could, winning 28 possessions and laying eight tackles in a superb SANFL performance. Mitch Grigg was again influential (24 disposals, seven tackles, one goal) and Sam Kerridge continued his return from injury (24 disposals, six tackles). Veteran forward James Podsiadly has declared he'd prefer younger players to get a run in the senior side before him. - Harry Thring

"Brisbane

Despite losing against the Suns, there are unlikely to be many changes when the Lions host Carlton at the Gabba on Saturday night. The defence was poor against Gold Coast, which could pave the way for Hugh Beasley to return, along with either Mitch Golby or Tom Cutler to improve the run from the back half. - Michael Whiting

Carlton

After being dumped for last Saturday’s game against Collingwood, talented forward Troy Menzel responded well for the Northern Blues. In the curtain-raiser at the MCG, Menzel was outstanding in the first half to put himself in line for a recall for Saturday night’s match against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba. Kristian Jaksch, an emergency for the seniors last Saturday, was serviceable at both ends of the ground. Brad Walsh, also an emergency last Saturday, was impressive again. Chris Yarran finished the VFL game on the bench and is unlikely to be considered this week. - Howard Kotton

Troy Menzel was electric in the VFL and may be recalled to face the Lions. Picture: AFL Media


Collingwood

The Magpies could regain premiership players Travis Cloke and Tyson Goldsack for their must-win clash with the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Friday night. On Sunday, spearhead Cloke said he was an 80 per cent chance to play after missing the past three games with a calf injury, while the versatile Goldsack made a successful VFL return after being a late withdrawal with a quad problem before the round 19 game against Melbourne. If Cloke fails to come up, Jesse White could be recalled after kicking four goals in a strong performance in the Pies' 68-point VFL win over the Northern Blues. Midfielder Ben Kennedy was best afield and will also be mentioned at the selection table, as will fellow runners Adam Oxley, Paul Seedsman and Sam Dwyer. Ruckman Jarrod Witts was serviceable, while forward/midfielder Patrick Karnezis kicked three goals to remain in the mix. - Ben Collins

Essendon

Midfielder David Myers is a chance to play his first senior game for the Bombers since round one after impressing in the VFL last week. Myers had shoulder surgery after going down in the opening five minutes of the season and has since battled a knee complaint. Elliott Kavanagh could also come back into the team after some solid VFL form, while Alex Browne and Jake Melksham, both omitted last week, are also possibilities. The club has also been without key defender Michael Hurley the past two weeks after suffering a knee injury. - Callum Twomey

Fremantle

The Dockers are likely to regain star midfielder Nat Fyfe and key defender Michael Johnson for this week's Western Derby. Both will need to pass fitness tests but it appears likely both will play. However, Luke McPharlin is in doubt due to a corked calf and the Dockers will almost certainly take the conservative approach with him given his history. Zac Dawson is still unavailable due to suspension. Connor Blakely remains in the mix after another strong performance in the WAFL - he collected 29 disposals to keep himself in contention for an AFL debut. Ed Langdon also gathered 26 disposals. Matt Taberner collected 19 touches, seven marks and kicked 1.2 to put himself back in the frame. Max Duffy kicked three goals in a strong performance up forward. - Alex Malcolm

Freo's Nat Fyfe may be a huge inclusion for Sunday's Western Derby. Picture: AFL Media

Geelong

Steve Johnson is set to return from suspension for his 250th, which puts some selection pressure on the match committee. Shane Kersten also missed with a toe injury and if fit could put pressure on Josh Walker who failed to fire on Saturday night. Walker's role as a second ruck is important though so he may be given another chance. George Horlin-Smith did not get much chance to shine against the Sydney Swans as he came on late as the substitute and will be vying for a spot with Nakia Cockatoo, who he replaced. It will depend on the selectors' perceived needs against the Hawks. Billie Smedts and Jed Bews didn't set the world on fire as the VFL lost, and Nathan Vardy and Daniel Menzel are still at least a week away from serious consideration. Veteran Jared Rivers is also struggling to reclaim his spot as Jake Kolodjashnij has been outstanding. – Peter Ryan

Gold Coast

The Suns won just their third match of the season at the weekend, but it wouldn't surprise to see a few changes ahead of Sunday's match against Richmond at the MCG. Coach Rodney Eade was livid with the performance against the Lions, saying at least half of the team was down on its usual output. Rory Thompson is a chance to return from an ankle injury to sure up the defence, while Danny Stanley was strong in the NEAFL and would be in line to return. Lively forward Jarrod Garlett has been impressive in his two matches back in the reserves following ankle surgery and must be getting close to a recall. - Michael Whiting

GWS

With midfielders Adam Treloar and Tom Scully ruled out of this week's game against Port Adelaide, and Stephen Coniglio in doubt with concussion, coach Leon Cameron will be calling on some in-form replacements. Jack Steele had 35 possessions in the NEAFL after being dropped last week, while Jake Barrett and Paul Ahern could have earned a debut, after the onballers shared 66 touches and 16 clearances last week. Small defender Zac Williams is a chance to return after missing two games with a hamstring strain, while Tomas Bugg, Adam Kennedy, Caleb Marchbank and Curtly Hampton were among the best in the reserves, as was key position player Adam Tomlinson. - Adam Curley


Hawthorn

Veterans Brian Lake and David Hale were rested from the Perth trip due to general soreness and could be recalled for Saturday night's clash with Geelong. Lake's return will be pivotal ahead of a looming bout against Cats powerhouse Tom Hawkins, while young ruckman Jonathon Ceglar will hope he did enough with 25 hit-outs and a goal before he was subbed out to keep his spot. Midfielder Jonathan Simpkin churned out another starring performance in the VFL, sticking his hand up for just his second game this year against his former club, while utility Brendan Whitecross started to find some of his best form in the win over Casey. – Travis King

Melbourne

The Demons found the winning formula the last time they met the Western Bulldogs back in round eight and personnel will again be an important part of breaking Luke Beveridge's team down. Aidan Riley is renowned for his pressure around the contest and his 36 disposals, three tackles and five inside 50s while playing for Casey could not have come at a better time. Rohan Bail was also prominent – the Melbourne coaching staff counted him as the team's most effective player – with 23 touches, five marks and four tackles. Christian Salem stepped up another level in his third game back from a hamstring injury and is closing in on senior selection. Jay Kennedy-Harris (21 disposals) and Ben Newton (13 and six tackles) will be the other players considered at the selection table this week. - Ben Guthrie

North Melbourne

Veteran defender Michael Firrito should come straight back into North's team after a one-week suspension, but key forward Ben Brown (corked calf) will have to pass a fitness test to take on St Kilda on Saturday. If Brown is ruled out, Majak Daw and Mason Wood loom as his most likely replacements. Daw was North's best performer in Werribee's win over Essendon's VFL team on Sunday, finishing with 12 disposals, three goals and 29 hit-outs, while Wood (20 disposals and 14 marks) impressed with his work rate up the ground and strong contested marking. Midfielders Trent Dumont and Brad McKenzie also put their hands up for senior recalls with strong performances for North Ballarat last Sunday. Dumont and McKenzie both had 28 possessions in the Roosters' win over Geelong's VFL team, while key defender Joel Tippett was outstanding in keeping Cats forward Nathan Vardy goalless. - Nick Bowen

Port Adelaide
Coach Ken Hinkley labeled last weekend's 64-point defeat to the Western Bulldogs as the most disappointing during his time at the club – so changes should be expected for Saturday night's game against Greater Western Sydney. He's got plenty to pick from in the SANFL. Angus Monfries made the most of his opportunities to boot four goals and collect 26 possessions in his first game of SANFL since 2004, while Kane Mitchell was on fire through the midfield with 38 touches, which included 15 clearances and a goal. Brendon Ah Chee laid 12 tackles and managed 26 disposals and a goal and Nathan Krakouer had 19 possessions and kicked three goals. - Harry Thring

Angus Monfries starred in a rare SANFL game and may be recalled by Ken Hinkley. Picture: AFL Media


Richmond
The Tigers will be boosted this week by the return of vice-captain Brett Deledio after he was a late withdrawal in round 19 with illness. And Deledio could be joined by another crucial Tiger in Shane Edwards, offsetting the loss of Reece Conca (hamstring) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring). Edwards has not played since round 15 when he suffered a fractured leg. He completed a strong training session at the weekend and the Tigers will consider moving him into more skills work later this week before making a call. The Tigers are most likely to turn to David Astbury, who has been used both forward and back at VFL level, to replace Dylan Grimes. The Tigers had a bye in the VFL at the weekend, but Liam McBean has been in fine form at the lower level. - Nathan Schmook

St KildaThe Saints' ruck selections will be intriguing this week as they prepare to come up against North Melbourne's Todd Goldstein, the League's best big man. Firstly, Billy Longer could replace Tom Hickey if the former is fit after missing one match with soreness. Interestingly, American rookie Jason Holmes could be promoted to debut and play a support role. Multiple changes are likely with Jack Lonie (knee), Daniel McKenzie (concussion), Jack Sinclair (concussion) and Shane Savage (hip) all needing to prove their fitness. With four games left, the Saints could choose to replace them with players on the edge for 2016, like Tom Lee (21 possessions and nine marks in the VFL) and Daniel Markworth (20 and two goals). Darren Minchington (27 and 17 tackles) and Adam Schneider, who was held over as an emergency against Fremantle, could also be called on, while Tim Membrey booted four goals with Sandringham. - Nathan Schmook


Sydney Swans

The Swans' medical staff will be working overtime to get a host of stars up and ready to face Collingwood on Friday night. Lance Franklin (back), Ben McGlynn (hamstring), Gary Rohan (hamstring) and Mike Pyke (knee) will all train on Wednesday in a bid to prove their fitness, although Franklin seems to be the only realistic chance of facing the Pies. McGlynn was a late withdrawal before last week's loss to Geelong so he's unlikely to be risked, while Rohan has missed five games and will probably need at least one game in the NEAFL to test himself. Pyke's knee has improved with a fortnight's rest but he'll need to be assessed after training. The Swans reserves had the bye last week, but midfielder Dan Robinson and the versatile Dean Towers have been their most consistent players in the NEAFL this season. - Adam Curley

The Swans need a lift, and 'Buddy' could be the man to deliver it. Picture: AFL Media

West Coast

The Eagles need options this week and will likely leave their selection decisions until Sunday. Nic Naitanui's availability is still unclear after the death of his mother, and the Eagles will give him all the time that he needs and won't push him to play. Also out of the side is star forward Mark LeCras due to suspension. Ruckman Callum Sinclair is still recovering from his knee complaint. The Eagles don't have any other ruck options if he misses a second week. Jeremy McGovern was forced to fill the second ruck role to Scott Lycett but he re-injured his hamstring and is in doubt himself. Tom Barrass is the obvious replacement for McGovern but it would be a big ask for him to fill a second ruck role. Jackson Nelson (24 possessions and two goals) and Jamie Bennell (29 disposals) made a case for a recall with strong performances for East Perth. Tom Lamb keeps pushing after two goals on the weekend following consecutive four-goal hauls. - Alex Malcolm

Western Bulldogs

The fourth-placed Bulldogs are likely to have key performers Robert Murphy (general soreness), Jordan Roughead (foot) and Fletcher Roberts (ankle) available for Sunday's clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium. While Murphy and Roughead will walk straight back in, key defender Roberts is likely to resume through the VFL after missing the past month. Defender Josh Prudden is also a chance to return after missing the win over Port Adelaide with general soreness. Jason Johannisen's hamstring tightness will see him miss a second game running. Impressive youngster Bailey Dale is one player likely to make way after having limited impact as the sub in the past two games. Nathan Hrovat (28 possessions and a goal), Mitch Honeychurch (22 possessions and two goals), Will Minson (30 hit-outs) and Tom Boyd (three goals) all had good games in the VFL. - Ryan Davidson

Bob Murphy should be back to lead the Dogs for their clash against Melbourne. Picture: AFL Media