David Mackay could return to the senior line up this week if he passes another concussion test, while the six-day break before the club's game against Greater Western Sydney could hamper the chances of Sam Kerridge (foot) and Rory Laird (quad). Both missed the Showdown and Kerridge won't train until Thursday. Charlie Cameron (groin) will also be put through his paces in the hope of returning after a three-week stint on the sidelines. A rested Ben Rutten is available for selection, while Ricky Henderson is a chance – but is still a little underdone. - Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
If Jack Redden misses with a suspected stress fracture, it opens the door for another midfielder to play at the MCG against Richmond on Saturday. Zac O'Brien looks a logical choice after a strong week back at reserves level, although out-of-favour Brent Moloney also got plenty of the ball and is an outside chance of a recall. Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger played at NEAFL level at the weekend - his first half of football since injuring his knee in round four – but is likely to need another week or two at the lower level to regain match fitness before returning to the seniors. - Michael Whiting
CARLTON
Carlton will have to find a replacement for midfielder Mitch Robinson, who has received a two-match suspension for striking in last Sunday night’s loss to Collingwood. But the Blues will regain defender Simon White, who was a late withdrawal against the Magpies after hurting his knee in the previous round against Greater Western Sydney at Spotless Stadium. Veteran forward Jarrad Waite, dropped for last week’s game, hurt his hip while playing in the VFL last Sunday and is in doubt for this weekend. Although the Northern Blues were thrashed by Geelong in slippery conditions at Preston last Sunday, Nick Graham continued to press his claims for another chance in the seniors with an impressive performance, and defender Nick Holman is close after a string of strong displays. - Howard Kotton
The two-week suspension to Mitch Robinson opens the door for a few Blues. Picture: AFL Media
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood's injury list is shrinking significantly, but there are still question marks over a couple of key Pies. Jamie Elliott (quad) is touch and go for Saturday's meeting with Gold Coast, while Marley Williams (ankle) faces a fitness test later in the week. Nick Maxwell will play, but it may be in the VFL, as the Magpies work out the best course of action for his return from a calf complaint. Ben Reid will also be returning through the seconds. Tim Broomhead, following his demotion, gathered 31 disposals in an impressive display in the VFL. Magpies rookie Kyle Martin (39 disposals) continues to string consistent games together and may be considered in the coming weeks. – Ben Guthrie
The Bombers will regain Jason Winderlich from suspension to face Port Adelaide on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval, and he will be an important inclusion after his absence was costly against Geelong last week. Tom Bellchambers and Elliott Kavanagh should be in the mix as well, while Mark Baguley missed last week with knee soreness. Shaun Edwards keeps edging closer to his first senior game for the club after some positive signs in the VFL last weekend, while Tayte Pears continues his comeback after a calf injury to offer some support in attack and defence. - Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
The Dockers appear unscathed from their Derby win. Matthew Pavlich has a slight cork but Ross Lyon said it isn't a problem. There were some doubts about Zac Clarke's knee but Lyon said he is fine. Jon Griffin is ready to go if need be after 21 touches and 29 hit-outs for Peel in the WAFL on Saturday. Luke McPharlin is poised to return from his medial ligament injury and Lyon all but confirmed he would play against Melbourne. Anthony Morabito had 24 disposals for Peel on Saturday, but Lyon said he's not a like-for-like for Colin Sylvia. Matt de Boer could be and he had 20 touches for Peel in his first game back from a medial ligament strain, but Lyon said Sylvia's form would make him hard to displace. Michael Apeness continues to impress in the WAFL and put himself in the frame. He had 18 disposals, seven marks and kicked two goals. - Alex Malcolm
The Dockers are travelling well and will only be stronger with Luke McPharlin's return. Picture: AFL Media
GEELONG
The Cats are a chance to regain ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who missed the win over Essendon due to ankle soreness. A number of other experienced players, including captain Joel Selwood, are battling sore spots, but Geelong coach Chris Scott said on Tuesday that he was unlikely to rest any of them for this week's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Simonds Stadium. If any places do open up in the team, youngster Brad Hartman will be strongly considered. Hartman was among the best on ground in the Cats' VFL win over the Northern Blues on Sunday, tallying 20 disposals (15 contested), six tackles and five clearances. - Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
Despite losing to Hawthorn last week, it's hard to see coach Guy McKenna making too many, if any, changes for Saturday's huge home match against Collingwood. Greg Broughton looks like overcoming a back complaint that had him subbed out against the Hawks, while small forward Brandon Matera – who missed with an adductor injury – is still another week away. Aaron Hall and Sean Lemmens were good in the reserves and might come into the frame if McKenna wants to juggle his team. - Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Greater Western Sydney will closely monitor Heath Shaw this week following the sickening collision he had with Kurt Tippett's knee in the heavy loss to the Sydney Swans. Lucky to escape with concussion, the club will take every precaution before determining whether Shaw has recovered sufficiently to face Adelaide. Jeremy Cameron's struggles continued against the Swans and he doesn't look right after persistent ankle troubles, but the club insists he is healthy and will take his place in the side once more. Coach Leon Cameron also has a decision to make regarding young midfielder Toby Greene. Returning through the reserves last weekend following a five-game club-imposed suspension, he impressed with 40 possessions and a goal. - James Dampney
WATCH: At the time it looked like Heath Shaw would be out for an extended period.
HAWTHORN
The Hawks have lost the electrifying pace and brilliance of Cyril Rioli to a hamstring tendon injury, but they could regain the class of former skipper Sam Mitchell from a similar problem. Mitchell has not played since round seven and is under consideration to come straight back into the senior side. If Mitchell isn't picked, Alex Woodward is a leading candidate to make his AFL debut. Few other changes are expected. Box Hill had the bye last round and Ben McEvoy is likely to continue playing VFL with young ruckman Jonathan Ceglar continuing to shine in AFL ranks. - Travis King
The Hawks have lost the electrifying pace and brilliance of Cyril Rioli to a hamstring tendon injury, but they could regain the class of former skipper Sam Mitchell from a similar problem. Mitchell has not played since round seven and is under consideration to come straight back into the senior side. If Mitchell isn't picked, Alex Woodward is a leading candidate to make his AFL debut. Few other changes are expected. Box Hill had the bye last round and Ben McEvoy is likely to continue playing VFL with young ruckman Jonathan Ceglar continuing to shine in AFL ranks. - Travis King
MELBOURNE
Jordie McKenzie has served his suspension and may replace Neville Jetta after the small defender copped a one-week ban from the match review panel. The Demons will be hopeful Tom McDonald has recovered from a calf injury, although such injuries can be tricky to predict. Jay Kennedy-Harris was one of the few good performers with Casey Scorpions laying nine tackles and getting 32 possessions as Williamstown thumped the VFL team. He may be a chance to force his way into the team for the game in Darwin against Fremantle. After suffering a shoulder contusion and being subbed out of the game on Sunday, Dean Terlich is likely to face a test. After suffering a shoulder contusion and being subbed out of the game on Sunday, Dean Terlich is likely to face a test. - Peter Ryan
NORTH MELBOURNE
Brad Scott has already signalled the Roos will drop at least two players this round and vice-captain Jack Ziebell (knee) and Lachlan Hansen (general soreness) will have to pass fitness tests to take on the Hawks this Friday night. Mason Wood is in the frame to make his AFL debut after an outstanding performance on the wing in Werribee's win over Coburg last Sunday. Experienced defenders Scott McMahon and Sam Wright were also among Werribee's best players and are likely to be considered for senior selection, along with North Ballarat midfielders Liam Anthony and Trent Dumont. Anthony did not play in the VFL last weekend, having travelled to the Gabba as an emergency for North's clash with the Brisbane Lions, while Dumont had a rare quiet game, a hard tag restricting him to just 12 possessions. - Nick Bowen
Jay Kennedy-Harris may get a chance to show more exciting glimpses to Demons' fans: Picture: AFL Media
PORT ADELAIDE
Jackson Trengove (ankle) and Alipate Carlile (hamstring) will both likely miss Saturday night's contest against Essendon, with Tom Clurey and Cam O'Shea favourites to find their way into the senior side. Both were named in the club's SANFL best at the weekend. Dom Cassisi (knee soreness) could return to face the Bombers, while Andrew Moore (collarbone), Paul Stewart (knee) and Cam Hitchcock (shin) will all return to SANFL action next weekend. Aaron Young (36 disposals) and Ben Newton (30 disposals) were superb in the SANFL. - Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Dan Jackson has backed himself to return from the hip flexor complaint that has kept him out since round 11. There were no reported injuries from Saturday's win over St Kilda but Steven Morris faces a one-week suspension as a combined sanction from two separate incidents against the Saints. There were also a few who pressed their cases in the VFL. Ben Lennon had 23 touches and kicked two goals while Orren Stephenson was the better of the two ruckmen with Shaun Hampson joining him after being omitted from the senior side. Matt Arnot and Sam Lloyd were also impressive in the team's 44-point loss to Collingwood. - Jennifer Phelan
The Tigers would love to have Dan Jackson's trademark ferocity back this week. Picture: AFL Media
ST KILDA
The Saints could select ruckmen Billy Longer and Tom Hickey in the same team for the first time this season, with Hickey ready to return from a foot injury after racking up 42 hit-outs in his second match back in the VFL. Longer has so far held the fort when his teammate has been unavailable, but the Saints could choose to test the pair in tandem against Carlton. The team could also be improved by senior players Adam Schneider and Farren Ray, who both impressed in the VFL. Schneider finished with 30 possessions, 11 tackles and eight inside-50s in his second match back from a foot injury, while Ray racked up 28 touches. Tall forward Tom Lee responded to being dropped by kicking 4.2 and staking his claim for a recall. Defenders Dylan Roberton and Josh Bruce are also available if the Saints choose to make changes in the back six, while midfielder Tom Curren could be called in to play a lockdown role. - Nathan Schmook
SYDNEY SWANS
Co-captain Kieren Jack suffered a knock to his back in the victory over GWS, but will be fine to face West Coast this week. Kurt Tippett also safely made it through his first game back following knee surgery and will also make the flight to Perth. Coach John Longmire will take an extended squad over to Patersons Stadium, which will include ruckman Tom Derickx. Given a rest last week after a heavy work load, Derickx could return if Longmire decides Mike Pyke needs more help against Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox. Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Shane Biggs, Gary Rohan and Tom Mitchell are among the Swans slugging it out in the reserves hoping for a senior call-up. - James Dampney
WEST COAST
Mitch Brown is out for at least a month so the Eagles need some reinforcements down back against the Sydney Swans. East Perth had the bye last weekend so there is no fresh form to work from. If Jeremy McGovern goes to defence then Scott Lycett could come back as a key forward. Callum Sinclair could fill the same role. If that is too tall a forward line for Adam Simpson then Simon Tunbridge, Brant Colledge, or Josh Hill are also options. Blayne Wilson is an obvious replacement in defence but Jacob Brennan could come in as a small defender and Will Schofield and Shannon Hurn could mark the Swans' talls. Dom Sheed has been sitting idle in the WAFL if they need a running option. - Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Skipper Ryan Griffen (back) and key defender Jordan Roughead (shoulder) remain outside chances to return for Sunday's clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium. In better news, forward Jarrad Grant should be available after missing a week with concussion. Key-forward Liam Jones' spot looks in jeopardy after recording just one handball against Melbourne, with upgraded rookie Jack Redpath, and Tom Campbell, strong chances to replace him following excellent VFL form. – Ryan Davidson
The return of Ryan Griffen would boost the Dogs' stocks considerably against Geelong. Picture: AFL Media
