Patrick Dangerfield is a chance to return, after missing the Crows loss to the Western Bulldogs with a broken hand, while young forward Jack Gunston has recovered from a hip complaint. Veteran duo Simon Goodwin (ankle) and Andrew McLeod (knee) haven’t been ruled out but are unlikely to play against the Lions. Tony Armstrong, Phil Davis, James Sellar and Shaun McKernan are among the players in the SANFL pushing for a recall.
BRISBANE LIONS
The Lions didn’t suffer any injuries in their win over West Coast, although defender Joel Patfull faces the tribunal on Tuesday night and will need to be replaced if his challenge is unsuccessful. The Lions’ reserves were pummelled in the Queensland state league. Tom Collier played in defence in that game and he impressed, meaning he could be called in. Travis Johnstone is another likely to come under consideration, as is Justin Sherman.
CARLTON
The Blues won't make too many changes this week. Debutant Marcus Davies probably doesn't figure in finals planning so he could drop out. Sam Jacobs piled on the pressure with a best-on-ground performance for the Bullants while Brad Fisher's 10 goals are also hard to overlook. Ryan Houlihan put his hand up after returning from injury in the VFL and it remains to be seen if Chris Yarran will be required to travel the same route after missing last week with an ankle injury.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood is likely to be without young defender Ben Reid this week, but can either recall Nathan Brown or opt for another runner against Essendon. The Pies have plenty of depth and a number of players putting their hands up for a senior recall - although they’d want to force their way in soon if they’re likely to figure in September action. Josh Fraser, Paul Medhurst, Tarkyn Lockyer, Shane O’Bree and Jarryd Blair appear most likely of those in contention.
ESSENDON
David Hille is available after accepting a reprimand from the MRP but Alwyn Davey is out for the season with a broken arm. Nathan Lovett-Murray suffered a knock to his back in the VFL and will miss a week while Darcy Daniher has been ruled out for the year with adductor tendonitis. Leroy Jetta, Jake Melksham, David Myers and Ricky Dyson were among the best for Bendigo while Jake Carlisle - who was an emergency last week - kicked two goals.
FREMANTLE
It appears likely that ruckman Aaron Sandilands will return this week. If he cannot get up to face the Swans, his understudy, Zac Clarke, is almost certain to be given a chance after another strong WAFL performance. Chris Mayne (ankle) faces a fitness test and the club is confident he can slot straight into the senior side after eight matches sidelined. Michael Walters and Clayton Hinkley are on the cusp and can play half-forward roles if Mayne returns through the WAFL.
GEELONG
The Cats have lost key defender Harry Taylor to a shoulder injury, while big men James Podsiadly and Tom Hawkins are in danger of being dropped. Ruckmen Mark Blake and Trent West both played in the VFL last weekend, with Blake favoured to be promoted if Podsiadly or Hawkins get the chop. Taylor will be replaced by David Wojcinski for Saturday night's clash with the Bulldogs, although youngster Jeremy Laidler is also a chance to be included.
HAWTHORN
There will be a few Hawks in the gun this week after another disappointing loss. Campbell Brown will return after serving a two-match suspension, while Brendan Whitecross put in a best-on-ground performance for Box Hill to press his claims for a recall. Wayde Skipper is a chance to replace Simon Taylor who looked a bit underdone in his first game of the season. Rhan Hooper and Carl Peterson will be considered to add some x-factor to the forward line.
MELBOURNE
Brad Miller is the most obvious name pressing for selection after his 10-goal performance for Casey against Gold Coast in the VFL last weekend. Matthew Bate is coming through the ranks and Brent Moloney is also likely to be considered after missing the past three weeks through injury. Luke Tapscott hasn't put a foot wrong since starting out in the VFL.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Will David Hale play for North Melbourne again this season? He had another strong performance (17 possessions, 31 hit-outs) for VFL affiliate North Ballarat, and coach Brad Scott says structure is all that is keeping him out of the side. Elevated rookie Ben Speight (23 possessions, two goals for Werribee) seems better placed for a recall than Gavin Urquhart, Marcus White, Matt Campbell (calf) and Ben Warren (back). Expect Scott to stick with the side that belted Fremantle.
PORT ADELAIDE
Caretaker coach Matt Primus is likely to swing the axe, following the Power’s dismal performance against St Kilda. Defenders Nick Salter (calf) and Paul Stewart (hip) should be available, while highly rated draftee Jasper Pittard is in line to make his AFL debut against West Coast. Jason Davenport and Daniel Motlop both got among the goals in the SANFL and could be considered for a recall, as could ex-Brisbane Lion Scott Harding and Jay Nash.
RICHMOND
Look for some movement in the Richmond side this week. The club wants to have a look at a few players under AFL conditions, but time is running out. Irishman Jamie O’Reilly and rookie David Gourdis are both yet to make their debuts, while Troy Taylor is free to play after receiving a suspended sentence for assault this week. With some of the younger players showing signs of tiring, expect some to be rested this week.
ST KILDA
Tom Lynch was dropped after his debut game two weeks ago but he could come back in after an impressive showing for Sandringham. Defender Tom Simpkin was elevated from the rookie list last week so there is a fair chance the Saints have senior hopes for him sooner rather than later. Tall ruck/forward Rhys Stanley is the most logical replacement for the injured Michael Gardiner.
SYDNEY SWANS
Nick Smith is likely to return against Fremantle after recovering from a strained hamstring, but Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) is still another week away. Daniel Bradshaw (quad) is also expected to make his return in round 21 against the Bulldogs. Gary Rohan booted six goals for the Swans' reserves in their loss to Queanbeyan but he was labouring with a lower leg injury at the final siren. Patrick Veszpremi and Irish rookie Chris McKaigue also impressed in the 41-point loss.
WEST COAST
Luke Shuey (glandular fever) is ready to return from an extended lay-off and should get his chance this week after a polished WAFL performance for East Perth. In his second league game back, Shuey had 20 possessions and booted two goals. Eric Mackenzie will return from suspension, replacing injured defender Brett Jones (fractured cheekbone), while Adam Selwood (AC joint), Beau Waters (general soreness) and Chris Masten (ankle) face fitness tests. Shannon Hurn appears set to miss another week with hamstring soreness.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
A flu virus spread through the club recently. Jarrod Harbrow has missed two and Robert Murphy and Shaun Higgins missed last weekend. Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Tom Williams and Brodie Moles were all under the weather but played against the Crows. Rodney Eade says they won’t take any player who’s not right into the Geelong game so there could be a few changes. Elevated rookie Andrew Hooper kicked two goals in the VFL while Will Minson was among Williamstown’s best.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
