ADELAIDE
Taylor Walker is a chance to be slotted straight into the Crows' line-up to face Melbourne on Saturday but while the 24-year-old has declared himself ready, Brenton Sanderson's "gut feel" is that he'll need another game or two in the SANFL. Andy Otten could find his way into the senior side after his second SANFL outing but it won't be at the expense of Patrick Dangerfield who was cleared of any serious rib damage. Full back Ben Rutten could also return to the team having missed two weeks with a niggling knee injury. - Harry Thring
BRISBANE LIONS
Coming off his first win as a senior coach, it's hard to see Justin Leppitsch making changes for Saturday night's match against the Sydney Swans at the Gabba. Brent Moloney was left out in the win over St Kilda but travelled as an emergency and had no chance to impress in the reserves. With the Swans a chance to play four tall forwards – Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Sam Reid and Adam Goodes – the Lions might be tempted to bring in another big defender, which would leave the door open for a return for either Jordan Lisle or Matt Maguire. - Michael Whiting
CARLTON
After its remarkable comeback win over West Coast last Saturday night, Carlton’s major injury concern this week is running defender Chris Yarran, who was subbed off during the third quarter with a hamstring complaint. But the Blues have plenty of replacements available for the big Friday night clash against the Magpies if Yarran does not come up after a six-day break. Vice-captain Andrew Carrazzo (back spasms) and utility David Ellard (calf) are likely to be fit for selection, as is first-year midfielder Patrick Cripps. Tagger Jaryd Cachia performed well again for the Northern Blues in the VFL. - Howard Kotton
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies went through two consecutive weeks without making a change but that is set to change this week because of the foot injury to Alex Fasolo. Fasolo has been cleared of a fracture, but he is considered very much in doubt to take his place in the team to face the Blues on Friday night. Nathan Brown will be considered for a role in defence but Lachlan Keeffe and Jack Frost have done nothing to suggest they should make way. Sam Dwyer looks the likely replacement for Fasolo, while rookie Kyle Martin booted six goals in the VFL to suggest he deserves his chance at some point this season. Patrick Karnezis is also doing everything right. - Ben Guthrie
ESSENDON
Essendon is likely to regain at least a couple of important players for its clash with the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night. Brendon Goddard will come into the side after missing two weeks with an adductor injury, and Tom Bellchambers is set to play his first game of the season after getting through a full hit-out at VFL level last week. Heath Hocking is expected to play too after a groin injury ruled him out of Anzac Day, and tall, athletic forward Pat Ambrose could also be in contention. Orazio Fantasia and Kurt Aylett are getting closer to playing their first games in the red and black after strong VFL showings but might be a few weeks away. - Callum Twomey
Brendon Goddard has missed two weeks but should be fit to face the Bulldogs. Picture: AFL Media
FREMANTLE
The Dockers will get Hayden Ballantyne back this week after his one-week suspension. The Dockers need his dynamic presence up forward to give them more avenues to goal. Garrick Ibbotson fell ill last week and was unable to play in the WAFL but he was close to being picked to play against North Melbourne and again could be considered. Matt Taberner bounced back from his omission with 13 marks and three goals for Peel Thunder to put his name up for selection again as a key forward option. Jack Hannath had 13 touches, nine marks, and 24 hit-outs for Peel to again knock on the door and he could be considered given West Coast's preference to play three ruckmen. - Alex Malcolm
GEELONG
The Cats are hoping that star defender Andrew Mackie will return from his hamstring injury and line up against Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. Ruckman Dawson Simpson should also be available despite missing the loss to Port Adelaide after rolling his ankle at training. A number of youngsters are pushing for selection as well. The club's first pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, midfielder Darcy Lang, was best afield in the Cats' VFL win over North Ballarat last weekend. Important forward Steven Motlop is also almost certain to finally return after playing in the VFL. Jesse Stringer, Jarrad Jansen and Joel Hamling were among the other outstanding performers in that match, while Mitch Brown kicked two goals. - Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
The squeeze for spots will be on this week, with lightning quick midfielder Harley Bennell and hulking forward Charlie Dixon big chances to line up against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Bennell had 24 disposals and three goals for the Suns' reserves at the weekend in his first match back from a calf injury, while Dixon, returning from a groin strain, also impressed with two goals. Ruckman Tom Nicholls (calf) was a late withdrawal from the win over the Giants, but is every chance to return against the Kangaroos, which would allow Rory Thompson to return to defence. - Michael Whiting
GWS
Following Greater Western Sydney's strong start to the year, the club has lost its past three games and plenty of pressure is being placed on the senior team by those plying their trade in the reserves. Mark Whiley, the club's NEAFL player of the year in 2013, dominated last week's win over Gold Coast reserves, finishing with 39 touches and three goals, as he aims to add to his 10 senior games to date. Dylan Shiel also got through his first match since round two following a quad issue and is right in contention to face Port Adelaide in Canberra. Nathan Wilson, Stephen Gilham, Cam McCarthy and Jake Barrett were also influential for the seconds. Zac Williams, Tom Bugg and Lachie Plowman were all quiet in the loss to the Gold Coast seniors and could find themselves under a little pressure. - James Dampney
HAWTHORN
Key defender Ryan Schoenmakers is "knocking the door down" for selection according to Hawks football manager Chris Fagan and could be in line for his first AFL game since round four last season. Schoenmakers has played the past four matches in the VFL since coming back from a knee reconstruction and was an AFL emergency alongside last year's No.24 draft pick Billy Hartung and Kyle Cheney last round. Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Brad Sewell might be ready to return from a hamstring strain via Box Hill on Saturday. Project ruckman Luke Lowden, Kaiden Brand and Tim O'Brien impressed in the win over Coburg last weekend, while the luckless Alex Woodward made a solid return in his first game back from a shoulder injury. Woodward's comeback coincides with the loss of another unlucky young midfielder, Jed Anderson, to a potentially season-ending shoulder problem. - Travis King
Ryan Schoenmakers could further strengthen Hawthorn's backline this round. Picture: AFL Media
MELBOURNE
Colin Garland received a knock to his knee playing for Casey in the VFL on Sunday and did not take part after leaving the ground in the second quarter. Although not serious, it makes his return from an ankle injury less certain than it otherwise would have been. Ruckman Max Gawn performed well, winning 49 hit-outs and might be ready to provide some height up forward and to work in tandem with Mark Jamar in the ruck. Dean Kent will be touch and go after missing with a calf problem and Jordie McKenzie gained 27 disposals with Casey after being dropped. - Peter Ryan
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Roos will regain All Australian full-back Scott Thompson from suspension this Sunday but Daniel Wells (foot) and Andrew Swallow (Achilles) remain uncertain starters. Wells has been cleared of bone damage but was still on crutches at North's recovery session at Arden Street on Monday, while Swallow is likely to spend more time in the VFL after playing three quarters for North Ballarat on Sunday. Ben Jacobs and Liam Anthony again starred for the Roosters with 33 possessions each, while Sam Wright (27 possessions), Scott McMahon and Mason Wood (four goals) were among North's best performers for Werribee. - Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
Angus Monfries is tipped to return to the Power's winning line-up after missing three games with a hamstring injury. The only thing that'll keep Monfries from playing against Greater Western Sydney is a mid-week setback. He'll likely squeeze out Sam Gray in a move that looks like the only selection change Ken Hinkley would make to a squad that's taken the competition by storm. That means the likes of Ben Newton (31 possessions, three goals), Andrew Moore (23 disposals, two goals) and Kane Mitchell (22 touches, two goals) will have to keep plugging away in the SANFL. - Harry Thring
RICHMOND
Vice-captain Brett Deledio is hopeful he can return from Achilles soreness to boost the 2-4 Tigers when they take on Geelong at the MCG. After a month on the sidelines, Deledio will face a fitness test this week with his pace desperately needed in the Richmond engine room. Dropped two weeks ago, Ty Vickery spent time in the backline with Richmond's VFL team at the weekend. The tall forward did manage to kick three second-half goals, however, pushing his case for a recall in attack. Prized draftee Ben Lennon (18 possessions and seven marks) continued his push to debut, producing another strong game across half-back after racking up 28 possessions last week. – Nathan Schmook
Brett Deledio is a chance to make a much-needed return for Richmond this weekend. Picture: AFL Media
ST KILDA
Eli Templeton broke his arm against the Brisbane Lions and is expected to miss around three months after surgery on Monday but Adam Schneider is available to return after serving a one-match suspension. Sam Fisher went to New Zealand but didn't play so remains in the frame to come in, although he didn't line up in the VFL at the weekend. Trent Dennis-Lane kicked three goals in the VFL while draftee Blake Acres was named the team's best in its win over the Casey Scorpions. - Jennifer Phelan
SYDNEY SWANS
Adam Goodes made a welcome return from his long injury layoff against Melbourne on Saturday, impressing in limited time as the substitute, and is in contention for a spot in the starting 21 this week. He could also find some more help in the forward line, with Kurt Tippett (rib) and Sam Reid (Achilles) both pushing for selection. Of that duo, Reid is the more likely as he is fully fit and has been training for more than a week, whileTippett would face a fitness test on Thursday as he battles for his first senior appearance of 2014. Lance Franklin experienced more trouble with an ongoing knee problem in the win over the Demons but is considered likely to face the Brisbane Lions. Tom Mitchell was a standout in the reserves and is a likely inclusion this week, with Ryan O'Keefe and Harry Marsh also showing good signs. - James Dampney
Sam Reid may add even more power to a potent Swans attack against the Lions. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST
Darren Glass will inject some much-needed experience back into the Eagles line-up after serving his one-match ban. The surprise this week could be Shannon Hurn. He has missed four matches with a knee injury but is listed as a chance to return this week. Mark LeCras (arm) and Xavier Ellis (calf/ill) appear to be at least another week away. Callum Sinclair has made a significant case to reclaim his spot from Scott Lycett. Sinclair had 20 touches, 25 hit-outs and kicked two goals for East Perth in the WAFL at the weekend. Sam Butler had 27 possessions and Brant Colledge 23, to again put their names forward. - Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
After being menaced for the second week in a row by the opposition's tall forwards, the Bulldogs will be desperately hoping Dale Morris has overcome an ankle complaint to combat Essendon's big men. Young tall Fletcher Roberts may also play after solid form down back in the VFL. Rugged midfielder Clay Smith is a big chance to play his first game in nearly 12 months after overcoming a knee reconstruction and salmonella poisoning. The 20-year-old picked up 35 touches and kicked three goals in the Dogs' VFL thrashing of Bendigo at the weekend. And a debut looms for first-year midfielder Mitch Honeychurch after impressive form at VFL level has seen him named an emergency several times this season. - Ryan Davidson
