Midfielder Dyson Heppell is expected to be fit to face the Blues after missing last week with a fractured finger. Tom Bellchambers played well in the club's VFL side at the weekend and is ready to return to the seniors if a place opens up, whole Cory Dell'Olio kicked three goals. Kyle Hardingham continued his solid form, while Kurt Aylett was another to push his case in the VFL. However, with the Bombers on the cusp of a return to the finals, it is hard to see them swinging too many changes this week against Carlton. - Callum Twomey

Matthew Pavlich was a late withdrawal last week with a tight quad and Ross Lyon said the skipper would have to pass a fitness test to play on Saturday against Port Adelaide. Michael Barlow is unlikely to return from his broken thumb a week early. Anthony Morabito made another strong statement in the WAFL. He gathered 25 touches, seven inside 50s and kicked a goal for Peel Thunder. Clancee Pearce collected 33 possessions and laid six tackles in the same game. Alex Pearce put in a solid performance in defence in a 10-goal loss. Max Duffy kicked one goal from his 13 disposals for Peel after playing the previous two matches for the Dockers. - Alex Malcolm

 

Shane Kersten's hamstring injury has opened the door for one of the Cats' fringe forwards to get a run against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night. Mitch Brown pushed his case by tallying 20 disposals, eight marks and two goals in Geelong's VFL win over Essendon on the weekend. Big man Josh Walker also put his hand up by gathering 16 touches and kicking two goals against the Bombers. Another player in the mix to take Kersten's spot is small forward Lincoln McCarthy, who was dominant in the VFL, finishing with 24 disposals, five tackles and three goals. The Cats are unlikely to regain mercurial midfielder Steve Johnson for the clash with the Lions, but George Horlin-Smith should be available after being sidelined for a week by groin soreness. - Adam McNicol

Despite being out of the finals race, coach Guy McKenna has vowed to pick his best available team for Sunday's home match against West Coast, which brings a number of players into calculations. Trent McKenzie is in doubt with a hamstring niggle, but powerhouse defender Steven May (hamstring) is a chance to return against the tall timber of the Eagles forward line. Daniel Gorringe (knee) is also a possibility of returning in the ruck, while Greg Broughton (elbow) is another racing the clock. Karmichael Hunt has also come into the frame to play what could be his final game in the AFL. - Michael Whiting

Greater Western Sydney has navigated its way through its third season and is hopeful of picking up one more win to complete a successful 2014. Five victories represents a satisfactory return, but injuries are a major factor heading into this week's clash with the Western Bulldogs. The unlucky Jono O'Rourke suffered another hamstring injury against Collingwood last weekend and Phil Davis faces a test on his injured calf. The GWS reserves have wrapped up the NEAFL minor premiership, however, and a number of players are in contention to finish the year with another senior berth. Liam Sumner, Curtly Hampton, Jon Giles and Zac Williams were all named among the best in the win over the Brisbane Lions seconds. - James Dampney

There appear to be at least two openings for Friday night's clash against Collingwood, with Jack Gunston (ankle) and Matt Suckling (knee) sore. To replace Gunston, the Hawks could turn to Sam Grimley, who booted seven goals in the VFL for Box Hill, or Ryan Schoenmakers, who has been a more consistent presence in the team. Taylor Duryea and Billy Hartung were emergencies against Geelong and could replace Suckling. Ruckman Ben McEvoy responded well to being dropped in the VFL, but Jonathon Ceglar took his chance at AFL level. Coach Alastair Clarkson didn't rule out making changes in that department as the Hawks look to settle their line-up before finals. – Nathan Schmook  

Daniel Wells is set to return from a one-week suspension this Saturday night for a much-needed run ahead of the finals. Lachlan Hansen was a late withdrawal from the game against Adelaide last round, but is expected to return against Melbourne after missing the past three rounds with a hip injury. Robbie Nahas could come back from the shoulder injury that has sidelined him since round 14 but, if he does, he will almost certainly do so in the VFL. With sixth spot all but secured, North could decide to rest players ahead of a likely home elimination final next week. If it does, Jamie Macmillan, who has now played two VFL games since returning from a broken fibula, and would-be debutants Trent Dumont and Mason Wood will be in the selection mix. - Nick Bowen

Star midfielder Dustin Martin is expected to return for the Tigers' must-win clash against the Swans on Saturday after missing one match with a minor hamstring strain. Tall forward Ty Vickery is also available after serving a four-match suspension, but the Tigers need to make a call on whether he fits alongside in-form tall Ben Griffiths and star goalkicker Jack Riewoldt in attack. Club champion Dan Jackson was suspended for one match in the VFL meaning his season could be over if the Tigers don't qualify for finals. Jackson was an AFL emergency in round 22 after returning from a glute injury. - Nathan Schmook     

 

There will be enormous interest when the Swans announce their side on Thursday night. Already secured in the top two, the Swans face a Richmond team that needs to win to qualify for the finals. So people associated with the Tigers will be hoping the Swans rest some big names ahead of their own finals campaign. Josh Kennedy (hamstring), Ben McGlynn (calf), Craig Bird (knee) and Sam Reid (hip) all missed last week's victory over the Bulldogs. Of that group, Kennedy and Reid would be the most likely to play this week. But depth isn't an issue for the Swans, with Shane Biggs, Dean Towers and Tom Mitchell among the players that covered for their absence and helped to pick up the slack.  - James Dampney

The mix got an unexpected boost this week at West Coast. Scott Selwood (ankle), Elliot Yeo (broken hand) and Xavier Ellis (AC joint) have all been listed as chances to return from injury. Selwood has been declared as the most likely to play if he gets through training. Mark Hutchings will miss a week with a hamstring strain. Nic Naitanui was a late withdrawal with Achilles soreness but Adam Simpson has guaranteed he will return to play Gold Coast. A couple of players put their hands up with good performances in the WAFL. Brant Colledge and Ashley Smith each had 21 touches and kicked a goal for East Perth but it will be tough for both of them to break in. - Alex Malcolm