• Around the state leagues: who's starring in the seconds?
• Nine things we learned from round six
• Team of the week, round six

Midfielder Riley Knight could be a chance to return from a hamstring injury for the Crows' game with North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena on Saturday. Knight missed last weekend's win over Richmond and will be assessed this week. It would be a difficult decision to make changes to a Crows side that has won six straight and is on top of the ladder. Draftee Myles Poholke was the emergency last weekend and didn't get a chance to press his claims in the SANFL. Rookie-listed midfielder Hugh Greenwood led the Crows with 27 possessions in their 35-point loss to Port Adelaide Magpies. Young gun Jordan Gallucci looked good in his return from injury with 24 disposals while forward Troy Menzel – dropped from the Crows' side – and veteran midfielder Scott Thompson both had 23 touches. - Lee Gaskin

Fresh off a hammering from Port Adelaide, coach Chris Fagan is likely to make a couple of changes to play the winless Swans at the SCG on Sunday. Although the Lions' NEAFL team had a bye at the weekend, a number of players have been in good form and should come into consideration, led by versatile Marco Paparone and ball-hunting midfielder Rhys Mathieson. Key defender Jack Frost might also come into the frame, along with strong-bodied utility Tom Bell. - Michael Whiting

Dale Thomas delivered an emphatic response after resuming in the VFL to put himself in line for a senior return against his old team Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday. Thomas, who was rested from the round five game against Port Adelaide, was best afield in the Northern Blues’ 62-point win over Coburg last Sunday. The veteran collected an equal team-high 30 disposals and a goal. He could replace Jack Silvagni if the young forward does not come up because of a shoulder injury sustained in last Saturday’s win against Sydney. Andrew Phillips, omitted from the team against the Swans, also staked his claim for elevation with a strong display in the ruck. Sam Kerridge was prolific again with 30 disposals and a goal and Blaine Boekhorst was influential when the game was up for grabs early, finishing with 27 disposals and a goal. Liam Jones showed his versatility, filling roles down back and in the ruck and contributing two goals. Dennis Armfield and Harry McKay also hit the scoreboard, booting two goals apiece. - Howard Kotton

Dale Thomas staked his claim on a return and could replace Jack Silvagni (r). Picture: AFL Photos

The Pies have already ruled out Travis Varcoe (hamstring) for Saturday's 125th anniversary clash with Carlton, but appear certain to regain both Ben Reid (who was rested against Geelong) and Jordan De Goey (back from a broken knuckle and club-imposed suspension). Reid's return raises questions about whether he will be used in defence or attack, and the answer seems to be linked to a decision on whether to retain ex-Demon Lynden Dunn, who performed a superb blanketing job on Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins in his first game for the Pies. Last week's emergencies – Jackson Ramsay, Matt Scharenberg and Chris Mayne – also remain in the frame. - Ben Collins

The Bombers seem likely to swing some changes this week after their disappointing effort against Melbourne on the weekend. James Kelly will return to face Fremantle after being rested last week, while Matthew Leuenberger should also be back after sitting out the clash with the Dees. Aaron Francis and Brent Stanton are also possibilities to come into the side. David Myers has now played two games at VFL level since his finger injury and will be right in the mix to face the Dockers in his return to the top level. Myers had 26 disposals and kicked two goals in the VFL over the weekend, while Craig Bird (28 disposals) and Kobe Mutch (23) were also busy. Shaun McKernan and James Stewart booted two goals each to continue to press their claims for senior selection. - Callum Twomey

The Bombers may turn to Brent Stanton's experience after the loss to Melbourne. Picture: AFL Photos

The Dockers have maintained a relatively settled line-up over the past month but it could be time for change after the heavy Western Derby defeat. Cameron Sutcliffe was one of six players dumped after round two but has found some excellent form playing more of a midfield role for Peel Thunder and racked up 36 touches with nine tackles in the loss to East Perth on Saturday. Matt Taberner could finally break through for his first game this season to offer more firepower after picking up 20 disposals and booting a goal for Peel, while key defender Sam Collins continued his fine season to date with 26 possessions and 13 marks as the Thunder's best player. Nick Suban was held over as Freo's emergency and might also be in the mix for a return against Essendon on Sunday. - Travis King

Daniel Menzel will be available after being managed on the weekend, which is timely given the Cats will definitely lose Brandan Parfitt to a hamstring injury. James Parsons will also be in contention after serving a two-match suspension. Tom Ruggles played his first match since being concussed against Hawthorn in round four and had 27 possessions across half-back in the VFL side's win over the Casey Demons, while Rhys Stanley had 27 hit-outs and kicked three goals. Scott Selwood had 20 touches in his second game back from a toe injury but remained on limited game time, and Jake Kolodjashnij got through his third after a pre-season groin issue. Jackson Thurlow was the carry-over emergency and didn't play at any level after being omitted. - Jennifer Phelan

Daniel Menzel is likely to return after being rested against Collingwood. Picture: AFL Photos

The Suns are expected to welcome back a host of quality players for Saturday's match against Geelong at Metricon Stadium, led by co-captain Steven May. May has missed the past fortnight with a hamstring injury and needs to only get through training this week to bolster the Suns' undermanned defence. David Swallow (rested) and Kade Kolodjashnij (illness) are also expected to return after missing Saturday night's loss against North Melbourne. May's fellow key defender Rory Thompson (quad) is also a chance but needs to improve a lot through the week. - Michael Whiting

With star forward Toby Greene suspended, and Nick Haynes (hamstring) and Sam Reid (hamstring) injured, the Giants will make some changes this week, but the good news is they have some big names ready to play. Co-captain Phil Davis trained well on Tuesday after missing last week's win over the Western Bulldogs with a minor hamstring strain, while his deputy Stephen Coniglio was also on the track, and could be ready to play his first game of the year. The star midfielder injured his ankle in the final game of the JLT Community Series and will play if he gets through training this week, leaving coach Leon Cameron with the decision of whether he comes straight in or has one game to ease into it in the NEAFL. Forward Daniel Lloyd looms as a logical replacement for Reid after starring in the reserves as a midfielder this season, while academy products Harry Perryman and Harry Himmelberg will also be considered, along with former Fremantle midfielder Matt de Boer. - Adam Curley

The Hawks will instantly be better with the return of Grant Birchall (jaw) and Cyril Rioli (hip) for Sunday's MCG clash with Melbourne. But the intrigue surrounds who will make way for them and whether coach Alastair Clarkson's forecast of "catastrophic change" is a threat or a promise. Too many 2013-2015 premiership players are performing below par and after three losses of 12 goals or more in the last four weeks, the time for a statement at the selection table appears to have come. St Kilda exposed Hawthorn for run last week, as did Melbourne when the two teams met late last season. That might dictate the selection of Jonathan O'Rourke, who has come through three games in the VFL after a hamstring injury and on Sunday racked up 28 disposals and five clearances, or the experienced Brendan Whitecross. Midfielder Kade Stewart also played well and would add some grunt to a team largely lacking that quality so far this season. Draftee Harry Morrison was best for Box Hill and it wouldn't surprise to see the rebounding half-back appear in an extended squad or as the traveling emergency in the next few weeks. - Ashley Browne

Cyril Rioli's return can only improve the Hawks' form. Picture: AFL Photos

Jesse Hogan appears likely to come back into the side after returning to training on Tuesday following the death of his father last week. Melbourne's luck finally turned against the Bombers with no injuries or suspensions to speak of. Former co-captain Jack Trengove (29 disposals) continues to put his name forward for a recall after another strong display for Casey, although he is clear on what he needs to do to win his spot back. Dean Kent (22 disposals) went through the midfield to provide some spark, while Ben Kennedy (26) was a workhorse for the third straight week for the VFL club. Versatile defender Josh Wagner made a positive return from a thumb injury, while James Harmes worked hard after his omission. Billy Stretch and Sam Weideman were held over as emergencies and did not play in the VFL. - Ben Guthrie

There will be a minimum of one change, with Aaron Mullett (broken hand) to miss at least Saturday's match. The Roos are likely to give Jarrad Waite (AC joint) as long as possible this week to potentially make his return, having not played since kicking 1.7 in the round one loss to West Coast. Ben Brown, Mason Wood and Taylor Garner have impressed at various stages and degrees in the key forward's absence. Ben Jacobs (foot) is also nearing a return. Outside of Waite, most interest will be on whether former skipper Andrew Swallow and goalsneak Lindsay Thomas are recalled from the VFL. They both performed well for Werribee. The Braydon Preuss hype was doused somewhat with him missing AFL selection the past two rounds. But coach Brad Scott made it clear on Saturday the 206cm ruckman remained in contention: "We really wanted to play (Preuss) tonight … we'll make the (Todd) Goldstein-Preuss thing work." Sam Durdin, Ryan Clarke and Declan Mountford loom as the other players most likely. - Marc McGowan

Skipper Travis Boak will have a fitness test on his injured hamstring before he's cleared to return for the Power's game with West Coast at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. Boak missed last weekend's easy win over the Brisbane Lions after leaving the ground in the third quarter of the Power's round five victory against Carlton. In his first game in 609 days, veteran Angus Monfries made up for lost time in Port Adelaide's win against Adelaide in the SANFL. Playing on the wing, Monfries had 31 possessions and 11 marks. Shoulder and hamstring injuries delayed his return to football after serving a 12-month anti-doping suspension as part of the Essendon supplements saga last year. Forwards Brett Eddy and Nathan Krakouer both booted five goals to push their case for a senior recall, while young ruckman Billy Frampton was also impressive. - Lee Gaskin

Ruckman Toby Nankervis (suspended) is a big loss for the Tigers, but his forced absence could open the door for veteran Ivan Maric, who had 36 hit-outs and 15 possessions in the VFL at the weekend. If the match committee wants to look to the future, rookie Ivan Soldo could make his debut despite a quiet six possessions in the loss to Port Melbourne. The Tigers took a risk against Adelaide by going small and it backfired, so expect tall reinforcements against the Bulldogs. Key forward Todd Elton was an emergency against the Crows, while athletic big man Mabior Chol is available. One of the two will likely be selected to provide ruck support and a target down the line. Elsewhere, Sam Lloyd (four goals and 26 possessions in the VFL) is pushing for a chance, while Anthony Miles (26 and six clearances) continues to produce solid performances in the state league. Corey Ellis (21 and four inside 50s) is not far away if spots open up. - Nathan Schmook     

Ivan Maric (l), Anthony Miles (c) and Corey Ellis (r) are all in the mix for Richmond. Picture: AFL Photos

It will be tough to crack into the senior line-up that beat Hawthorn by 75 points in Tasmania last Saturday, but the first person drafted in 2014 mounted a convincing argument. Paddy McCartin slotted seven goals in the VFL to combine with 18 disposals and 10 marks in an excellent display. Inside midfielder Luke Dunstan responded to being dropped by picking up 25 disposals and seven tackles while Nathan Wright had the same amount of the footy and two more tackles. Coach Alan Richardson would be relatively happy with his defence this season but Brandon White, Bailey Rice and Shane Savage continue to mount cases for selection. - Dinny Navaratnam

Former co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (hamstring/calf) and ruckman Kurt Tippett (hip) are outside chances to play against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday, but plenty of doubt remains about their fitness. Forward Gary Rohan (concussion) was cleared of major injury after a sickening fall against Carlton last week, and will be assessed during the week, so the Swans might need to find a replacement for him. Youngster Jordan Dawson had 27 possessions, nine marks, seven tackles, and kicked a goal in the Swans' win over NT Thunder in the NEAFL last week, while Oliver Florent bounced back to form with 28 touches and a goal, and Dean Towers racked up 24 disposals and had seven tackles, so all three have put their hand up. Key defender Aliir Aliir looks ready for a recall after gathering 18 possessions and seven marks in the reserves, while young ruckman Darcy Cameron could make a long-awaited debut if John Longmire wants to add another big man to the line-up to help Callum Sinclair, should Tippett not get up for the Lions clash on Sunday. - Adam Curley

Big man Nathan Vardy could still overcome a sore elbow to take his place against Port Adelaide but rookie Fraser McInnes is waiting in the wings for an opportunity to partner Jonathan Giles in the ruck. The 197cm ruck-forward has been in super touch at East Perth averaging 18 disposals and 20 hit-outs, and could add to his nine career games this Saturday. The Royals had a convincing win over Peel Thunder, with veteran defenders Eric Mackenzie (14 disposals) and Will Schofield (23) leading from the front. The Eagles have several injury concerns with Liam Duggan (corked leg) and debutant Kurt Mutimer (knee) pulling up sore from the Western Derby, and midfielders Mark Hutchings and Malcolm Karpany appear the leading contenders to come in, if required, for a huge test against Port. - Travis King

The Bulldogs are confident star playmaker Tom Liberatore will overcome concussion for Saturday night's clash with Richmond at Etihad Stadium. Ruckman Tom Campbell – a late withdrawal from the loss to Greater Western Sydney – will need to pass a fitness test on his ankle. Veteran Matt Boyd should slot straight back into the half-back line after missing a week with a back complaint. Mitch Wallis (broken leg) and Tory Dickson (abdominal) had impressive VFL returns from injury layoffs, but both are unlikely to be considered for senior selection. Running defender Shane Biggs responded to being dropped for the second time in a month by collecting a game-high 35 possessions in Footscray's 124-point win over North Ballarat. Third-year midfielder Lukas Webb put his hand up again for a senior recall with 32 touches. - Ryan Davidson

Matt Boyd will be another handy inclusion to face the Tigers. Picture: AFL Photos