CARLTON
The Blues could be bolstered by the return of hardened runners Chris Judd (from a medial ligament injury in his left knee), Heath Scotland (quad) and Brock McLean (quad) for their first elimination final clash with old rival Richmond at the MCG on Sunday. Selectors could face a dilemma regarding how many of these players they can afford to take into the match, given Judd has missed only three games, while Scotland and McLean have been sidelined for just one apiece. Carlton's VFL side isn’t playing in the finals but the reinforcements include the versatile Jeremy Laidler, midfielders Nick Graham, Kane Lucas and Jaryd Cachia, defender Aaron Joseph and big man Sam Rowe. - Ben Collins


COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies will sweat on the fitness of Nathan Brown (knee) and Quinten Lynch (ankle) for their qualifying final against the Power. The Pies say they are confident the pair will come up. Luke Ball (calf) and Harry O'Brien (flu) are available and are certainties to return. Jamie Elliott (hamstring) and Ben Sinclair (shoulder) will face fitness tests to determine whether they are ready to go. That means there will be a number of unlucky players who miss out. As Nathan Buckley said, "Selection's going to be tough this week." - Ben Guthrie

FREMANTLE
It's a big mix at Fremantle this week given the quality and quantity of players who didn't play against St Kilda. Clancee Pearce has been ruled out for the rest of the year after damaging his Achilles. Garrick Ibbotson is still struggling with Achilles soreness and is unlikely to play against Geelong. Luke McPharlin will be declared fit but whether he plays or not will be a gamble by Ross Lyon. Nick Suban (hamstring), Stephen Hill (hamstring) and Michael Walters (knee) should also be OK to play. Nathan Fyfe, Michael Johnson, Hayden Ballantyne, Chris Mayne, Zac Clarke, David Mundy, Lee Spurr and Zac Dawson are all rested and recuperated so the Dockers could make as many as 12 changes.  - Alex Malcolm





Exciting Fremantle small forward Michael Walters should be fit to face the Cats. Picture: AFL Media

GEELONG
Nathan Vardy looks set to return after receiving a knock to his hip in round 22 while Cameron Guthrie is a near certainty given he had a minor cork to his calf. Both have big jobs ahead of them against Fremantle. Taylor Hunt and Trent West look to be under the most pressure to retain their spots. Mark Blicavs fell heavily on his head late against the Brisbane Lions. Although early indications were positive, he will be monitored. The big question is whether the Cats will persist with key forward Tom Hawkins, given the restriction his troublesome back is causing. Other options include Josh Walker or potential first gamer Shane Kersten. - Peter Ryan

HAWTHORN
The Hawks will hope to have Cyril Rioli (ankle), Max Bailey (hamstring tightness), Brent Guerra (back) and possibly Liam Shiels (ankle) available for their qualifying final against the Sydney Swans on Friday night. They have lost Lance Franklin to suspension, meaning Matt Spangher, who played against the Swans last week after Bailey's late withdrawal, could hold his spot in place of the four-time All Australian. - Mark Macgugan

PORT ADELAIDE
Some big decisions will be made at selection this week, with Ken Hinkley having a full list to choose from. Hamish Hartlett, Robbie Gray and Alipate Carlile headline the inclusions for Saturday night's elimination final, leaving Hinkley needing to make at least three omissions from the side that lost to Carlton last week. Jake Neade is rested and in form too, having featured in the SANFL best players at the weekend (22 disposals, one goal). All four played in Port's round 14 win over the Magpies and while Brent Renouf, Lewis Stevenson and Aaron Young missed that game, Young's form makes him difficult to drop. Matt Thomas' physical and hardened approach to the game could be valuable and after collecting another 30 SANFL disposals, he's in good touch. - Harry Thring



Hamish Hartlett is set to boost the Power for their final against Collingwood. Picture: AFL Media

RICHMOND 
Chris Newman (ankle) and Jack Riewoldt (knee) have been described by coach Damien Hardwick as "locks" to return and play in the Tigers' first final since 2001. It seems the entire football world is waiting on Newman to take the field and play his first final after 232 games. Speedster Matt White, who hurt his hamstring on Saturday night against Essendon, is a 50-50 prospect to play against Carlton. Improved midfielder Shane Edwards, who has played 19 games this season, has served a one-match suspension and is certain to be recalled. - Nathan Schmook 

SYDNEY SWANS
Coach John Longmire eliminated some of the uncertainty surrounding selection this week by declaring Kurt Tippett (hamstring tightness), Dan Hannebery (knee) and Nick Smith (calf) certain inclusions to the side that lost to Hawthorn by two goals last Friday night. Tippett was a late withdrawal, while the other two were largely given a rest to freshen them up for some big battles ahead. Shane Biggs, Mitch Morton and either Harry Cunningham or Brandon Jack would be the players most likely to make way fortheir more established teammates. The real intrigue this week surrounds thepossible recall of Lewis Jetta. Such a dangerous attacking threat when fit, with his speed and goalkicking ability, it could be a little too soon to include a player with just 55 minutes of football in the reserves under hisbelt since June 1. But it also might just be the difference that gets the Swans over the line, particularly if he could provide some fourth-quarter dash against an opposition that can be a little susceptible to outside run. - James Dampney