Get them in: Matt Crouch (hip/abdominal), Tom Lynch (hamstring) and David Mackay (illness) could return for Saturday night's clash with Melbourne in Darwin. Out-of-favour duo Josh Jenkins and Bryce Gibbs and youngster Darcy Fogarty will also be in discussions, along with veteran Richard Douglas.

Under the pump: Young forward Elliott Himmelberg has had two quiet games. Chayce Jones, Jordan Gallucci and Riley Knight could make way for experienced inclusions.

Medical room: Crouch and Lynch will be assessed this week, while Mackay is available.

Verdict: Crouch and Lynch are automatic inclusions, pending fitness tests, while Mackay was in good form before illness. Jones, Gallucci and Knight make way. Himmelberg retains his spot ahead of Jenkins in a close call. – Lee Gaskin

Get them in: He missed last week through suspension, but Rhys Mathieson's ball-winning ability was missed against the Dockers. Jacob Allison and Allen Christensen again starred in the Lions' NEAFL win over GWS.

Under the pump: Despite the loss to Freo, no real passengers for the Lions. By default of being 'last man in', Lewy Taylor might come under the spotlight.

Medical room: Bad news during the week with confirmation Jarrod Berry will miss six to eight weeks following knee surgery. 

Verdict: Not too much reason for change this week, but Mathieson should come in, possibly for Taylor, to add some grunt to the midfield. – Michael Whiting

Rhys Mathieson will provide the Lions with much-needed grunt in the midfield. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Developing forward Paddy Kerr continued to impress in the VFL, kicking another three goals from six marks over the weekend. Will Setterfield also pushed for a recall with 23 disposals as the Northern Blues fell to Sandringham.

Under the pump: The heat will come for Jack Silvagni, who had just seven disposals and six clangers against St Kilda. The Blues may also need to consider rejigging a top-heavy forward line, with Mitch McGovern continuing to struggle over the weekend.

Medical room: The Blues will wait to see how McGovern's ankle settles before making a call on his availability, while young defender Tom Williamson will undergo a fitness test later this week to determine whether he will return from a back problem. Liam Jones is still battling concussion symptoms and is unlikely to feature.

Verdict: Kerr or the out-of-favour Alex Fasolo appear the most likely to replace either Silvagni or McGovern in Carlton's malfunctioning forward line. – Riley Beveridge

Blues recruit Alex Fasolo has played only two matches since crossing from Collingwood. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Awesome foursome Jordan De Goey, Darcy Moore, Taylor Adams and Mason Cox could return from injury for the clash with Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday, while veteran Travis Varcoe is also in the frame after serving a one-game suspension. Classy runner Josh Daicos continues to impress in the VFL, as does prospective debutant Isaac Quaynor.

Under the pump: Rookie-listed former basketballer Jack Madgen played his first game for the season against the Swans and was well beaten.

Medical room: De Goey (shin), Moore (ankle), Adams (adductor) and Cox (ankle) are chances, but veteran Daniel Wells (knee) will be out for up to three months.

Verdict: Fitness permitting, De Goey, Moore, Adams and Cox could replace Madgen, Wills, the injured Wells and an unlucky Reid. – Ben Collins

Get them in: Dylan Clarke's run of form at VFL level could see him considered, while David Myers has also pushed for a recall at senior level after 25 disposals last week. Mark Baguley is another in contention after kicking two goals last week. 

Under the pump: Defender Ben McNiece picked up only four touches against the Tigers last week so could find his spot in jeopardy.

Medical room: Jake Stringer has joined the club's long injury list with a hamstring strain, while it will be touch-and-go for Dylan Shiel, who also hurt his hamstring against the Tigers last week. Unlike Stringer, Shiel's scans didn't show a tear so he has not been ruled out.

Verdict: Injuries are really stretching Essendon's depth at the moment and will likely force a couple of changes. Clarke is due an opportunity. – Callum Twomey

THINGS WE LEARNED 'Walla' needs to get better against the best

Get them in: It's difficult to see much changing from the epic win over Brisbane. Parachuting Harley Bennell in after one game back at WAFL level – albeit a 30-disposal, two-goal effort – would be a major surprise. Griffin Logue is ready but there isn't an obvious spot yet. Travis Colyer (25 disposals) would be a chance for a recall. 

Under the pump: Not many. Ross Lyon is happy with Jesse Hogan, who went kickless for the first time in his career, and Cam McCarthy (14 disposals, one goal) isn't banging the door down.

Medical room: Rory Lobb appeared to hurt his left leg late against Brisbane and it remains to be seen how he pulls up, but back-up ruckmen Scott Jones and Lloyd Meek are available if needed. 

Verdict: No change against Collingwood at the MCG. – Travis King

Could Ross Lyon spring a surprise by picking Harley Bennell this week? Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Last week's travelling emergencies Esava Ratugolea and Zach Guthrie are next in line at either end, while Sam Simpson remains in the frame. Ruckmen Zac Smith and Ryan Abbott each had 23 hitouts and Wylie Buzza clunked 10 marks. Scott Selwood (four games) and Lachie Fogarty (three) have played enough games to start being considered.

Under the pump: James Parsons (15 disposals) was solid in his first game this season but remains on the fringe. Darcy Fort had 12 hitouts but failed to hit the scoreboard.

Medical room: Patrick Dangerfield (ankle) was set to train early in the week to press his case. Cameron Guthrie (hip) will need to prove his fitness this week. Charlie Constable got a knock to his groin and sat out most of the VFL match, putting him back in the queue.

Verdict: Dangerfield for the suspended Gary Ablett. Simpson for Guthrie if he doesn't come up. Ratugolea for Fort is a line-ball call. – Mitch Cleary

Find In the Game on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts or Spotify

Get them in: In a heavy NEAFL loss to Sydney, Josh Schoenfeld, George Horlin-Smith and Will Brodie all played well.

Under the pump: Despite the loss to Geelong, that was an even performance from the Suns. Ben King was quiet, but the No.6 draft pick showed a few glimpses of his talent and will be given plenty more games before considering him for a rest.

Medical room: Bad news with Ben Ainsworth requiring foot surgery following an injury against the Cats. Vice-captain Touk Miller is still a week-by-week proposition with a foot issue that has already cost him two matches.

Verdict: No reason to make many changes to take on GWS. With Ainsworth unavailable, the strong-running Horlin-Smith is the most likely replacement. – Michael Whiting

FANTASY FORM WATCH How to prepare for the bye rounds

Get them in: Emerging onballers Jackson Hately (36 possessions and seven tackles), Nick Shipley (28 and seven) and Aidan Bonar (30 and a goal) continued their strong NEAFL form.

Under the pump: After such a strong win at the MCG over Melbourne last week, the Giants don't need to make any unforced changes, but if Corr is available, young defender Isaac Cumming or small forward Brent Daniels will be looked at.

Medical room: Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio struggled to see out the Demons win after copping a badly corked thigh and will be tested later in the week.

Verdict: Coniglio only has a six-day break to recover for Saturday's clash with Gold Coast but should be ready to go. No change. – Adam Curley

Get them in: Kaiden Brand's 30-disposal, 19-mark VFL outing is sure to have placed him in calculations, while Jarryd Roughead was prominent with 22 touches and one goal. The player to watch might be agile tall forward Jackson Ross, who has bags of five, four and three (twice) this season. Dylan Moore was the non-playing emergency.

Under the pump: Late inclusion Marc Pittonet did the bulk of the ruckwork last week, but Mitch Lewis' impending return places pressure on his spot.

Medical room: Jack Scrimshaw (knee) didn’t return after leaving the ground during the third term against Port Adelaide and will miss as many as six weeks. Isaac Smith (foot) has now missed three straight games. He did very little in last week's main session and coach Alastair Clarkson said the absence may double before he returns. Ben McEvoy (ankle) could miss another five weeks, but Mitch Lewis (concussion) is likely to be available. Ryan Schoenmakers (Achilles) and Jacob Koschitzke didn't play in the VFL again.

Verdict: Lewis in for Pittonet, while Brand replaces Scrimshaw. – Marc McGowan

WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor

Get them in: A rolled ankle for Jake Lever will probably delay his return from a left knee reconstruction. Young forward Sam Weideman booted three goals and impressed, Jay Kennedy Harris starred and Jordan Lewis looked comfortable down back but was suspended.

Under the pump: In attack, Charlie Spargo and Tim Smith would be on the brink, while at the other end, Josh Wagner could be dropped.

Medical room: A few are in contention to be right to play at some level: Christian Salem (concussion), Alex Neal-Bullen (concussion), Steven May (groin) and Michael Hibberd (collarbone). A left knee issue might keep Harrison Petty out.

Verdict: Salem, Neal-Bullen and Weideman in for Petty, Spargo and Smith. - Dinny Navaratnam

Christian Salem missed last week with concussion. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Aaron Hall did no harm to his chances of a recall with 30 disposals and nine tackles in the VFL at the weekend. Sam Durdin (suspension) and Bailey Scott (concussion) also returned at state league level and may come into contention. Could Taylor Garner come back despite not playing a match since being dropped a fortnight ago?

Under the pump: There were some lower individual numbers last week, but no one seems hugely under pressure.

Medical room: Luke Davies-Uniacke (shoulder) and Paul Ahern (knee) were the fresh ones from last week, but neither is considered serious. Sam Wright (ankle) and Dom Tyson (calf) still face further time out, while Tom Murphy (ankle) will try again to play this week in what has been a frustrating season for him. Ben McKay (quad) returned in the VFL.

Verdict: It will be interesting to see whether new caretaker coach Rhyce Shaw makes any selection moves, but the Roos may be headed for an unchanged line-up. – Marc McGowan

Get them in: Ruckman Scott Lycett will return to face St Kilda in Shanghai on Sunday after overcoming an adductor injury. Tom Rockliff (hamstring) and Ryan Burton (hamstring) will travel to China. Sam Mayes, Willem Drew and Joe Atley were the best in a beaten SANFL team last weekend, while vice-captain Hamish Hartlett was solid in his first game in two months after a hamstring injury. Forward Todd Marshall only kicked 1.1 from nine disposals, but could be recalled.

Under the pump: Peter Ladhams will be replaced by Lycett. Forwards Billy Frampton and Kane Farrell, and experienced utility Steven Motlop, were quiet in last weekend's loss to Hawthorn.

Medical room: Rockliff and Burton will have fitness tests in China.

Verdict: Lycett replaces Ladhams, Burton comes in for Frampton, with defender Dougal Howard playing as a key forward, and Drew replaces Farrell. - Lee Gaskin

Get them in: Ruckman Ivan Soldo has now served his one-match suspension for striking. Big man Mabior Chol (23 disposals, 22 hitouts, one goal) was named best afield in the VFL, playing up forward and in the ruck. Jack Graham returned from a hamstring in the VFL and had 18 touches and two goals.

Under the pump: Expect Callum Coleman-Jones to make way for Soldo after the 19-year-old made his AFL debut ahead of schedule. Connor Menadue (nine disposals) was more subdued up forward after an impressive few weeks

Medical room: Hard-running midfielder Kane Lambert is set for another week on the sidelines with Achilles soreness. Meanwhile, skipper Trent Cotchin is on track to return from the hamstring he first injured in round three. Tom Lynch missed the last quarter with a corked calf but is expected to be fine.

Verdict: May just be the two changes for the Tigers, with Coleman-Jones making way for the returning Soldo, while Menadue is one who could be omitted for Cotchin. The versatile Graham is waiting in the wings for any sore players who fail to recover after the six-day break from a game played in wet conditions. – Sarah Black

The Tigers are confident captain Trent Cotchin will play this week after a hamstring injury. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Once again, Hunter Clark won plenty of the footy for Sandringham, picking up 29 disposals last Sunday. Nick Coffield had 21 and is getting closer while Brandon White missed the VFL clash in case he was needed for the Saints, and isn't far away from selection.

Under the pump: Small forward Robbie Young was quiet in the win over Carlton. Wingman Ed Phillips made a couple of errors while Jack Newnes has been slumping after an impressive start.

Medical room: Captain Jarryn Geary is a chance to return from surgery on his right quad for compartment syndrome and Ben Paton could be available after a right knee niggle.

Verdict: Phillips to be dropped for Geary if fit, or otherwise, Clark. - Dinny Navaratnam

BARRETT The 40-year drought Dogs don't want to break

Get them in: Forward Daniel Menzel kicked five goals in his second NEAFL game back from a groin injury and will be strongly considered to face his former club Geelong. Veteran Jarrad McVeigh has recovered from his serious quad strain and will push his case for a trip to the Cattery. Draftee James Rowbottom responded to being dropped with 31 possessions and 12 tackles in the NEAFL.

Under the pump: Midfielder Robbie Fox had another quiet night against Collingwood last week.

Medical room: Co-captain Josh Kennedy will miss some games with the knee injury he suffered against the Magpies, but George Hewett has been cleared to face Geelong after copping a head knock.

Verdict: Menzel comes in to add some potency to the forward line against his old team, while McVeigh returns to add class across half-back, in place of Kennedy and Fox. – Adam Curley

Five goals in the NEAFL should see recruit Daniel Menzel play his first game for Sydney. Picture: AFL Photos

Get them in: Half-back Lewis Jetta will return from a one-match suspension against the Western Bulldogs. Exciting small forward Jarrod Cameron kicked four goals in the WAFL and might be a chance to debut.

Under the pump: Jackson Nelson came in for Jetta and is likely to make way.

Medical room: Remains to be seen if Tom Hickey (ankle) is available, although Nathan Vardy is unlikely to lose the No.1 ruck spot after a good effort against Adelaide.

Verdict: Jetta in for Nelson in the only change after four straight wins. – Travis King

AROUND THE STATE LEAGUES Dons mid fires, Harley roars on return

Get them in: Veteran forward Tory Dickson kicked three goals in a 19-point Footscray win against North Melbourne. Heavy rain throughout the day made clean ball difficult to find at Whitten Oval on Saturday night, but Lukas Webb fought hard in the middle of the ground with 27 disposals. Lewis Young did a bit of everything in the ruck and is becoming an adaptable option.

Under the pump: The Bulldogs defence struggled, allowing the Kangaroos to be the only side in round 10 to score 100 points. The return of reliable defender Dale Morris will add nous but he is a few weeks from being available.

Medical room: Midfielder Mitch Wallis and defender Hayden Crozier both suffered injuries and will miss this week's interstate clash against West Coast as a minimum. Wallis hurt his ankle and Crozier landed awkwardly and has a toe issue.

Verdict: Webb to play at senior level for the first time since round 13 last season in place of Wallis. Crozier out and Young in, but which one could be a question. Lewis Young has put together a strong patch of form as a ruckman but could be deployed in defence, while Lachie Young is the frame as a more similar size and type of player. – Paul Bastin