Ruckman Jon Griffin (ankle) is in doubt, opening the door for second-year utility Shaun McKernan to play his first game of the season. Defender Nathan Bock (groin) is a chance to return, but could make his comeback via the SANFL. Long-term casualties Chris Knights (foot), Brett Burton (knee) and Will Young (knee) are also in line to play in the local league this weekend, while Matthew Jaensch will face a fitness test after copping a knock to the head last week.
BRISBANE LIONS
The big question mark for the Brisbane Lions is whether they will regain Brendan Fevola. The severely-depleted Lions were without Fev (groin) against Carlton last week and he is listed as a test ahead of this week’s clash. There isn’t a lot left at the lower level as injury has hit Michael Voss’s team hard. The Lions’ reserves were belted by 102 points at the weekend, with Bryce Retzlaff, Pearce Hanley and Troy Selwood among those likely to push for inclusion.
CARLTON
Brad Fisher kicked four goals in the VFL to press his claims for a senior return following LARS knee surgery. Brett Ratten wasn’t enthused by the contests provided by Shaun Hampson or Setanta O’hAilpin during the win over the Lions which could open the door for Robbie Warnock. Kane Lucas must also come in for strong consideration while untried youngster Marcus Davies was rated best afield for the Bullants. Paul Bower will probably be given another week to recover from a quad strain.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse won’t make too many changes, however he may have one or two nice selection dilemmas. Steele Sidebottom (calf) will hope to force his way back into the side after missing Saturday’s huge win with a minor injury. Brent Macaffer impressed in the Pies’ VFL loss, while experienced pair Josh Fraser and Paul Medhurst are still playing at the lower level. Skipper Nick Maxwell (calf) and forward Brad Dick (shoulder) appear at least another week off.
ESSENDON
Matthew Knights says he'll make more changes this week as he attempts to identify the core of the Bombers' side. With Henry Slattery (ribs) and Dustin Fletcher (suspension) to miss, the door has been left open for young forward Jay Neagle to return after kicking three goals for Bendigo on the weekend. David Myers and Jarrod Atkinson could also be considered after strong VFL performances while Travis Colyer also booted three goals for Bendigo.
FREMANTLE
With a key defender crisis developing at Freo, Chris Tarrant will have to return this week after struggling with an achilles complaint. The full-back, who was a late withdrawal against Port Adelaide, could be joined by Nick Suban after the young midfielder returned from an elbow injury through the WAFL. Des Headland is on the verge of playing again after 10 matches sidelined with a knee injury.
GEELONG
The Cats are likely to be strengthened by the returns of Cameron Ling (back) and Harry Taylor (foot). Brad Ottens has recovered from the foot stress fracture that has kept him out since round six and will play at either AFL or VFL level. Mark Thompson is keen to give young ruckman Trent West the opportunity to continue to develop, but flagged the possibility of using Ottens as a permanent forward in the absence of Tom Hawkins and Cam Mooney.
HAWTHORN
Skipper Sam Mitchell will miss after undergoing surgery to insert a plate on a broken bone in his hand suffered last Friday night. Rick Ladson was a late withdrawal from that match against the Bulldogs and must be in doubt after being hospitalised for dehydration caused by a virus. Campbell Brown and Josh Gibson are in the frame to resume, while Jarrod Kayler-Thomson kicked four goals and was named best afield for Box Hill last week.
MELBOURNE
It will not have escaped anyone's attention that Liam Jurrah booted three goals in the VFL last week and will be inching ever so closer to a senior recall. James McDonald and Colin Sylvia will also be right in contention to return from injury for this weekend's clash with Essendon. Jordan Gysberts could also return from a back injury while Rohan Bail will also be considered.
NORTH MELBOURNE
With eighth place up for grabs, Brad Scott will hope for the availability of his best tall defender, Nathan Grima, who missed the loss to Geelong with an ankle injury. The Roos also craved forward targets against the Cats and Aaron Edwards (seven goals), David Hale (19 possessions) or Corey Jones (five goals) could be recalled. Another strong performer for VFL affiliate North Ballarat, Leigh Harding (31 possessions) may have done enough to take the place of the injured Jack Ziebell (broken leg).
PORT ADELAIDE
Midfielder Travis Boak will return after missing the trip to Perth with a groin complaint, but injured trio Jacob Surjan (knee), Hamish Hartlett (quad) and Robbie Gray (hamstring) have all been ruled out for another week. Veteran Chad Cornes will also miss the clash with Collingwood through suspension. Jason Davenport, Danny Meyer and Cameron Cloke head the list of players looking for a recall. Draftee John Butcher got through his first game of the season in the SANFL reserves unscathed.
RICHMOND
Ben Cousins is likely to miss this weekend's clash with Fremantle after being hospitalised early in the week - Cousins says he wants to play, but is likely to be rested. Robin Nahas (31 disposals) and Jeromey Webberley (23) were both excellent for Coburg in the midfield, with Webberley appealing as a direct replacement for the Brownlow Medallist. Defender Alex Rance is still pushing for a spot after being Coburg's best.
ST KILDA
The biggest in the mix story of the round is the imminent return of Nick Riewoldt. The Saints skipper has been cleared to play this weekend after a long layoff with a hamstring injury. Fellow forward Justin Koschitzke should also return after he was a late withdrawal last week. Jason Gram is another injured star who could be set for a comeback.
SYDNEY SWANS
With Henry Playfair (back) and Daniel Bradshaw (hamstring) ruled out of the North game, young forward Lewis Johnston's 30 possessions and two goals for the Swans' reserves came at the perfect time. Craig Bird (foot) will be another forced change to the side that lost to Richmond. Ted Richards impressed in defence during the 24-point win against Belconnen, as did first-year tall Sam Reid. Matt O'Dwyer (shoulder) and Gary Rohan (ankle) have been ruled out for up to two weeks, but Kristin Thornton, Jesse White and Brett Meredith pulled up better than expected after copping knocks in the reserves.
WEST COAST
Ash Smith continues to push for his AFL debut with a 37-possession game for Perth. He ran hard off half-back and used his classy foot skills to great effect. West Coast will again have to call on its young midfielders to cover for Bradd Dalziell (finger) with Koby Stevens in line for a recall after debuting impressively a fortnight ago. Wingman Tim Houlihan could play his first game for the year, while Ashton Hams impressed in defence for South Fremantle.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs were counting the costs of their narrow loss to Hawthorn with Sam Reid blowing both shoulders, Will Minson hurting his ankle and Brad Johnson pulling up sore. Jordan Roughead is ready to replace Minson while Brennan Stack and Tim Callan have put their cases forward for an upgrade to the senior side. Tom Williams could also be nearing a recall after returning from a hamstring to play for Williamstown on the weekend.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
