ADELAIDE
After a defensive performance Brenton Sanderson labeled the club's best under his reign, the Crows are likely to take an unchanged side into Sunday's clash against Carlton. Brad Crouch remains some weeks away from a return with the healing of his broken leg proving slower than expected. Pressure from the club's SANFL side continues to build through, with fine performances at the weekend from Jarryd Lyons (34 possessions, three goals), Andy Otten (23 disposals, nine marks) and Luke Thompson (26 disposals, 10 marks). - Harry Thring
The Blues have lost midfielder Mitch Robinson because of suspension, but are set to regain experienced pair Andrew Carrazzo and Jarrad Waite, who have been sidelined with back complaints. Although the Northern Blues also had a bye last weekend, tagger Jaryd Cachia remains in strong contention for being elevated to the senior team after performing consistently in the VFL. Champion midfielder Chris Judd (hamstring) is probably another week away. - Howard Kotton
Who shone at state league level?
COLLINGWOOD
Defender Nathan Brown is in strong consideration for selection against the Eagles, as the Pies continue to search for the right defensive mix. Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley needs to be weigh up whether to play Brown, Lachlan Keeffe and Jack Frost together to combat West Coast's tall forward line. Alex Fasolo did not train on Tuesday but will do on Thursday to try to prove his fitness and win his way back into the senior side. Buckley also indicated ruckman Brodie Grundy would be due for a rest a little later in the season, while also confirming Patrick Karnezis – fresh off some strong performances in the VFL – would be on the club's selection radar in the not-too-distant future. - Ben Guthrie
The Pies may bring back Nathan Brown to combat West Coast's tall timber. Picture: AFL Media
GEELONG
The Cats will welcome back midfielder Mathew Stokes for Friday night's clash with North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium. Stokes has served his one-match suspension. But Geelong has lost Steve Johnson to a one-game ban of his own. The Cats are considering leaving out one of their ruckmen, so Dawson Simpson is a reasonable chance to spend the coming weekend toiling in the VFL. Inexperienced midfielder Jordan Schroder is right in the mix after some impressive form in the VFL, while Billie Smedts and Shane Kersten are expected to return via the reserves after missing all of the season so far due to injuries. - Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
The Suns are likely to welcome back classy half-back Kade Kolodjashnij to the team for Sunday's home match against the Western Bulldogs. Kolodjashnij missed last weekend's 38-point win over St Kilda with a knee problem, but is expected to be right to take on the Dogs. Fellow defender Seb Tape could also be getting close to a recall after a number of weeks at NEAFL level following injury, while Clay Cameron has now also played one match back in the reserves. Sean Lemmens is racing the clock to overcome a corked calf suffered in the win over the Saints. - Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Toby Greene has been suspended for five matches for his alcohol-fuelled troubles, Nick Haynes will be sidelined for three months with a broken ankle and Phil Davis (kidney) remains unavailable indefinitely. But outside of that trio, there is plenty of good news. Jeremy Cameron (ear), who is unable to fly, slots straight back in to face Richmond, while Shane Mumford (knee), Adam Treloar (ankle) and Curtly Hampton (ankle) are all tipped to play. Stephen Gilham and Tom Boyd both face fitness tests on their hamstrings, although they are more likely to play for the reserves if passed fit. Topping it all off, Tim Mohr and Sam Schulz, who had been out long-term, both played for the reserves before the bye. The increased depth means GWS should be ready for an all-out assault on the Tigers. - James Dampney
Shane Mumford could give the Giants a huge lift if he returns to take on the Tigers. Picture: AFL Media
HAWTHORN
The depleted Hawks will be forced to make at least three changes following injuries to Cyril Rioli (hamstring) and Josh Gibson (pectoral), plus Jarryd Roughead's one-match suspension. Skipper Luke Hodge is all-but certain to return against Port Adelaide, with several others in the mix after injury layoffs. Liam Shiels (shoulder) has been out of action since round four, while Brad Sewell (hamstring) returned for Box Hill last Saturday. Whether either is deemed to have sufficient match fitness is a question for the match committee. The luckless Alex Woodward's rich vein of form could see him rewarded with his Hawks debut. Angus Litherland might be recalled for Gibson, with Matt Spangher (ankle) still in some doubt. Ruckman Jonathan Ceglar, midfielder Ben Ross and key forward Tim O'Brien were in Box Hill's best and could also be in contention. - Travis King
NORTH MELBOURNE
The Roos were dealt a big blow at the start of this week with star midfielder Daniel Wells (foot) ruled out for up to another month. Defenders Nathan Grima (foot) and Aaron Mullett (hamstring) remain in doubt after missing last week's win over the Brisbane Lions. Mason Wood continues to put his hand up to make to his AFL debut, kicking four goals for Werribee on Sunday to go to the top of the VFL goalkicking ladder. Liam Anthony (30 disposals and 11 tackles) was again one of North Ballarat's best players on Sunday, while first-year midfielder Trent Dumont (23 disposals) also impressed in a new role up forward. Brad McKenzie (23 possessions) responded well to his demotion from the senior team, but probably needs to string together several strong VFL games to earn a recall. - Nick Bowen
RICHMOND
Rookie Anthony Miles is available to be promoted to the senior list for the rest of the season, and form suggests he should be selected immediately against his former club Greater Western Sydney. The midfielder has been the best-performed player for Tigers' VFL team this season, turning in another superb performance at the weekend with 31 possessions. Matt Thomas (31 and 10 clearances) also put his hand up to return for his first game since round five if captain Trent Cotchin (ankle) is unavailable. Ricky Petterd (28) was effective across half-back. Coach Damien Hardwick has suggested ruckman Ivan Maric is still two weeks away from returning at AFL level after resuming in the VFL. - Nathan Schmook
Young midfielder Anthony Miles may finally be rewarded for his brilliant VFL form. Picture: AFL Media
PORT ADELAIDE
Matthew Lobbe is a chance to return to the Power's line up, having now spent two weeks recovering from calf soreness. If Lobbe is inserted back into the side as expected, Brent Renouf would be the obvious candidate to fall back to the SANFL. That could be only selection move Ken Hinkley makes, with defender Tom Jonas still a week away due to groin soreness. Hinkley has plenty of depth to look at though after the club's SANFL side posted another huge win last Saturday. Campbell Heath (27 disposals, 11 marks) and Andrew Moore (26 possessions, eight clearances, two goals) were superb, although Moore picked up a one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle. - Harry Thring
WEST COAST
Blessed with only two injured players, the Eagles' only necessary change from the team that belted GWS is a replacement for suspended forward Mark LeCras. West Coast's WAFL affiliate East Perth also had the bye last weekend, denying LeCras' obvious replacement, Josh Hill, the chance to push his claims. Hard-nut Patrick McGinnity and half-back Will Schofield were among the best last outing in the WAFL, while Sam Butler and utility Brant Colledge found plenty of the ball. Ruckman Scott Lycett and mid-sized half-forward Simon Tunbridge were omitted before the Giants match and could be in the mix, although it's doubtful many changes will be made this week. - Travis King
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs will be forced to make at least two changes with Tory Dickson expected to miss two months with a arm injury and Liam Jones suspended. Tom Williams will have to overcome a calf complaint to face the Suns. Marcus Bontempelli looks a likely inclusion after a best on ground performance in his last VFL start, while Clay Smith is a strong chance to play his first senior game in a year after a month of impressive state league form in his return from a knee reconstruction. Ayce Cordy could also come in to contention to replace Jones. - Ryan Davidson
