Justin Leppitsch has a big decision on his hands with who should replace injured ruckman Trent West for Saturday's match against the Western Bulldogs in Melbourne. The front-runner is Stefan Martin, who has played two strong games in the reserves after a long injury lay-off but Leppitsch could also opt for basketball convert Archie Smith, who has shown rapid development in just his second year in the game. However, it could be seen as a risk throwing Smith in against Bulldogs giant Will Minson for his first game. Veteran Ash McGrath is also likely to play his first game for the season in the reserves after overcoming a recurring calf injury. - Michael Whiting

Michael Hurley expects to return to face Greater Western Sydney after a back spasm ruled him out of last week's win over Richmond. The Bombers are otherwise in pretty good shape, but will still miss Jackson Merrett as he nurses a broken finger. Rookie Cory Dell'Olio continued his solid form in the VFL, while Travis Colyer and Leroy Jetta will also be aiming for senior recalls. Shaun Edwards, recruited from Greater Western Sydney during last year's trade period, has not yet played for the Bombers but is getting closer to a red and black debut. - Callum Twomey

The Dockers delivered a polished 38-point win over the Bulldogs, appeared to get through unscathed, and with Peel having the bye in the WAFL it will be difficult for any changes to be forced. Alex Silvagni was squeezed out against the Bulldogs on match-ups and could be considered for the Adelaide clash. Colin Sylvia, Hayden Crozier, and Brady Grey are all awaiting their opportunity should it be presented to them. Clancee Pearce is closing in on a return from his shoulder injury although it is highly unlikely to be this week. - Alex Malcolm

The Cats are hoping to regain defenders Tom Lonergan (concussion) and Corey Enright (ankle) for Friday night's clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Lonergan should be fine but Enright will have to pass a fitness test later in the week. A number of young players are also pushing for selection. Draftees Jarrad Jansen and Darcy Lang have been impressive performers in the VFL in the past month, while Brad Hartman was among the travelling emergencies who headed to Sydney last week. Jackson Thurlow is also very much in the mix. - Adam McNicol


Chris Dawes will be an automatic inclusion after serving a week's suspension with Max Gawn likely to make way for the key forward. Casey Scorpions had a bye last week but Aidan Riley and Jordie McKenzie remain in contention. Jimmy Toumpas played as a substitute so the main selection question will rest on whether he maintains his spot or the Demons go for more of an inside type such as Riley or McKenzie. - Peter Ryan


The Power's coaches will be busier than normal this week, keeping a close eye on the recoveries of Matt White (foot), Travis Boak (ankle), Tom Jonas (groin), Angus Monfries (ankle), Chad Wingard (concussion) and Dom Cassisi (knee). Wingard is tipped to play against St Kilda and Monfries and Cassisi should also be available after missing last week's win over Melbourne. The club will regain the services of Hamish Hartlett, who has served his one-match suspension for striking. The SANFL team had a bye at the weekend, but the likes of Paul Stewart, Cam O'Shea, Ben Newton and Tom Logan are all awaiting their opportunities at senior level - Harry Thring

The Swans reserves keep on winning, meaning there are plenty of players in form pushing for a berth in the senior side. The only issue for them is the fact the seniors keep winning too, capped by a stunning 110-point victory over Geelong, their sixth in a row. Dan Robinson was best on ground in the reserves' big win over NT Thunder that took them top of the table, as he continues pushing for an AFL debut, while Tom Mitchell and Ryan O'Keefe were also standouts. Brandon Jack, Gary Rohan and Tim Membrey also pushed their claims with solid outings. But how do they force their way into the seniors? The only issue for the first team is a knee issue for Dane Rampe from the big win over the Cats. - James Dampney

Darren Glass will be a much-needed injection of experience back into the Eagles line-up to face the Hawks after missing the deflating loss to North Melbourne with soreness. Xavier Ellis (corked thigh) faces an uphill battle to be fit for the clash with his old side in Launceston given it's a six-day turnaround. There was much discussion following the Eagles' loss on Sunday about midfield changes. The issue is that East Perth played on Monday and so the players putting their hands up for selection will only have a five-day break. Mark Hutchings had 28 touches and kicked a goal in the WAFL. Dom Sheed gathered 22 possessions and Patrick McGinnity had 21 touches. Scott Lycett had 22 touches, 23 hit-outs and kicked three goals if the Eagles wish to go with three talls again. - Alex Malcolm 

The Bulldogs must inject some firepower into their faltering forward line for Saturday night's clash with the Brisbane Lions. Key-forward Liam Jones is available after serving a two-match ban, while Jarrad Grant has impressed in the VFL since his return from a foot injury. The midfield should also get a boost with former skipper Matthew Boyd considered a good chance to return from a hamstring complaint. The match committee should also consider handing draftee Mitch Honeychurch his debut after a string of strong VFL performances. Defenders Christian Howard and Fletcher Roberts may struggle to hold their places after both had limited impact against Fremantle. – Ryan Davidson