Defender Nathan Bock (groin) is in doubt and best and fairest winner Bernie Vince will also be monitored, after rolling his ankle playing for Woodville-West Torrens last weekend. Phil Davis (concussion/shoulder) will face a fitness test, while injured pair Brodie Martin and Trent Hentschel will make their long-awaited comebacks via the SANFL. Draftee Daniel Talia has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood may lose skipper Nick Maxwell (calf) from the side that drew with Melbourne, however the Pies will regain several players to take on the Sydney Swans on Saturday night. Alan Didak (hip) and Luke Ball (groin) will both come straight back into the senior side should they get through training this week, while Ben Johnson and Shane O’Bree will also be considered should they overcome ankle complaints. The question may be how many changes coach Mick Malthouse wishes to make.
GEELONG
The Cats have an embarrassment of riches, with star players Cameron Mooney and Matthew Scarlett almost certain to line up in Friday night’s clash with St Kilda. Midfielder Joel Corey (knee) will be out for at least another game, while ruckman Brad Ottens should only miss one more week following two months out with a foot problem. Key forward Tom Hawkins is also on the comeback trail, looking set to return by round 15.
MELBOURNE
Skipper James McDonald is a good chance of returning from a hamstring injury to take on Adelaide. The Casey Scorpions copped a thumping on the weekend but the form of Paul Johnson would have been encouraging, while the appearance of Liam Jurrah for Casey would have been closely watched by the Melbourne match committee, although he will probably be given a couple more weeks to build a fitness base before he is brought back into the side.
ST KILDA
Luke Miles has had an injury-interrupted season but he showed some good signs with VFL team Sandringham before the break and could come into contention. But it is unlikely the Saints would blood a rookie in a big game against Geelong. Zac Dawson should return from the ankle sprain that kept him out against Fremantle while Jason Gram would be close to a return after a layoff with groin and hamstring injuries.
SYDNEY SWANS
Daniel Bradshaw is expected to return from knee surgery against Collingwood and Rhyce Shaw (back) is a certain starter after missing the Port Adelaide game in round 12. Lewis Jetta will be considered after a week in the reserves, while Lewis Johnston (five goals), Trent Dennis-Lane (four) and Kristin Thornton (BOG at centre half-back) did their chances of senior selection no harm in the reserves' 35-point win over Eastlake on June 12.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
