The Lions' reserves didn't play last weekend, meaning Michael Voss will have fresh troops to call on should he want to make changes. With Jonathan Brown out, young forward Aaron Cornelius may get his chance to impress after impressing in recent weeks. Cheynee Stiller, Pearce Hanley and Albert Proud are others with senior experience who might get a look in as Voss searches for a winning formula.
CARLTON
The Blues had just four goalkickers against North, which is where most changes are likely. Setanta O’hAilpin has tailed off recently and a four-disposal effort on Friday will have him feeling nervous especially with ruck-forward Shaun Hampson hitting form in the VFL. Shaun Grigg must also be getting close while Brock McLean was also named in the Bullants’ best. Paul Bower, Kane Lucas and Chris Yarran all returned from injury to further cloud Carlton’s selection thinking.
ESSENDON
After making five changes last week, the Bombers will probably keep things relatively stable for their clash with Hawthorn although Mark Williams and Brent Prismall were rested from the VFL with a chance to come in for Friday night. Defender Cale Hooker is set to return to the side after a four-week hamstring injury, which will help the Dons attempt to curtail Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead.
FREMANTLE
Rhys Palmer (ankle) was a late withdrawal against St Kilda but is expected to resume this week. Fremantle’s forward pressure dipped against the Saints, and Matt de Boer, or possibly Tim Ruffles, could return to add tackling pressure. Clancee Pearce and Dylan Roberton have been in solid WAFL form, while the suspended Michael Johnson will play his first WAFL game this week.
HAWTHORN
With no fresh injury concerns things continue to look up for the Hawks. Chance Bateman has served a one-match suspension for kneeing Port’s Daniel Stewart and will come straight back into the side while Jordan Lisle, Jarrod Kayler-Thomson, Shane Savage, Travis Tuck and Jarryd Morton are applying pressure for spots with all named in Box Hill’s best on the weekend. Clinton Young and Liam Shiels dropped out of the side with thigh strains last week and are slated for tests.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Corey Jones and Josh Smith can do no more to argue their cases for recalls, as both forwards again starred for VFL-affiliate North Ballarat. North Melbourne early-season regulars Leigh Adams and Gavin Urquhart were solid as they continued their respective returns from injury, while youngster Jamie Macmillan pressed his claims for an AFL debut with another eye-catching performance off half-back for Werribee. Nevertheless, a good win last week means there is likely to be no change this week.
PORT ADELAIDE
Injuries hit the Power hard in their loss to the Sydney Swans last weekend, with Steven Salopek, Brett Ebert, Hamish Hartlett, Jacob Surjan, Jackson Trengove and Chad Cornes all in doubt for the clash with North Melbourne. The club is hopeful forwards Robbie Gray and Daniel Stewart will be available for selection this week, while Nick Salter, Jay Schulz, Justin Westhoff, Danny Meyer, Matthew Broadbent and Josh Carr will also be looking for an opportunity.
RICHMOND
Nathan Foley is likely to be given another week off to take advantage of the bye the following week to rest his ankle, and with Richard Tambling carrying a shoulder, he could be out to give it a two-week break as well. Robin Nahas, Jeromey Webberley and Dean Polo all looked terrific at Coburg and will push for a spot in the seniors. Graham Polak was again excellent in the VFL, but is unlikely to displace Ben Griffiths.
WEST COAST
Darren Glass (abdomen) and Adam Selwood (AC joint) face fitness tests this week, but the club is confident at least Selwood will be available. With three senior list spots available and a number of underperforming players on notice, rookies Adam Cockie, Callum Wilson, Andrew Strijk and Ashton Hams are pushing for selection, while Koby Stevens was best on ground for East Fremantle. Tom Swift (illness) has not been ruled out, while the in-form Ash Hansen is battling soreness.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs will be without Tom Williams after he hurt his hamstring in the second quarter of Sunday's win over the Brisbane Lions. Ryan Hargrave will be available after missing the past two weeks with an ankle injury but the club might decide not to risk him on the trip to Perth. Brad Johnson is in the same category after 19 touches in the VFL on the weekend. Callan Ward will be considered after having 32 possessions for Williamstown.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
