Bernie Vince and Matthew Jaensch will line up with their respective SANFL teams this weekend, after breaching the Crows’ training and preparation standards. Defender Graham Johncock must also serve a one-week ban for the same reason, but not until he’s been cleared of an AC joint injury. David Mackay (groin) and Chris Knights (plantar fasciitis) will attempt to prove their fitness at training, while young midfielder Rory Sloane should be recalled after two solid weeks with North Adelaide.
BRISBANE LIONS
All eyes will be on ruckman Mitch Clark this week to see if he returns from a groin strain. The Lions’ reserves did win last weekend, with Albert Proud, Troy Selwood and forward Bryce Retzlaff impressing again. First-year draftee Jesse O’Brien played his best game to be arguably best afield in the reserves, while fellow youngster Callum Bartlett also did some nice things to show his AFL debut may be nearing.
CARLTON
The Blues have hit a speed hump with up to three forced changes this week. Jarrad Waite copped two weeks for his high hit on Jason Davenport while Kane Lucas and Ryan Houlihan picked up hamstring injuries. Waite’s loss could be Lachie Henderson’s gain as the tall forward booted four timely goals for the Bullants while Mitch Robinson continued a good run of form at VFL level. Brock McLean should be nearing peak fitness after two weeks out with a hip complaint.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood got through its win over Fremantle unscathed, but they have options for Friday night's blockbuster. Paul Medhurst (foot) and Sharrod Wellingham (calf) face fitness tests this week and will push strongly for selection, while a host of other players are also on the cusp. Leigh Brown was best afield in the VFL with six majors, while Josh Fraser also impressed. Simon Prestigiacomo could be called upon against the Cats’ tall timber and Tarkyn Lockyer is another who might be recalled.
ESSENDON
Four big names could come in this week with Tayte Pears, Kyle Reimers, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Sam Lonergan all pushing to return from injury. They will need to pass fitness tests in order to be considered. Henry Slattery (ribs) and Ricky Dyson (knee) are not expected back for a few weeks. Cale Hooker will free up one spot after injuring his hamstring against St Kilda.
FREMANTLE
Veteran defender Antoni Grover has played two WAFL games as he returns from a knee injury and should replace Luke McPharlin (knee) against the Swans. Small defender Jay van Berlo, who played the first five games of the season before being forced back onto the rookie list, is also available after Brock O’Brien was placed on the club’s long-term injury list. Byron Schammer and Nick Suban are available, while Kepler Bradley booted four goals for West Perth and could replace Michael Johnson.
GEELONG
The Cats came away unscathed from their big win over the Lions, but the hard surface at the Gabba might have coach Mark Thompson looking to freshen up his side. James Podsiadly will benefit from a week’s break and is a confirmed starter while James Kelly is set to resume from calf injury. Youngsters Mitch Duncan and Simon Hogan appear the most likely to be the unlucky players who drop out.
HAWTHORN
Ryan Schoenmakers and Liam Shiels were very impressive in Box Hill’s narrow loss to Port Melbourne on the weekend and are likely to come into consideration for senior selection this week. The Hawks are looking at their best, injury-wise for the year and might actually field a settled side. Ruckman Simon Taylor might still be a while off yet but with Wayde Skipper now on board the Hawks don’t look as vulnerable in the ruck.
MELBOURNE
The Demons will make at least one change, with Cameron Bruce (hamstring) now sidelined. Matthew Bate (ankle) and Aaron Davey (concussion) also face fitness tests. Ex-Lion and first-year Demon Joel Macdonald is a strong chance to resume after he was Casey's best in the VFL last round. Brad Miller kicked four goals for the Scorpions and yet-to-debut midfielder Jordan Gysberts will be strongly considered. Cale Morton won't be too far away either. Rohan Bail and Addam Maric are also contenders.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Corey Jones could be selected for his first game since round two, should David Hale not recover from his back injury suffered against Adelaide. Jones kicked 3.5 from 27 possessions and 14 marks in North Ballarat's win over Werribee, outshining Ben Warren (nine possessions) and prospective debutant Nathan O'Keefe (two goals). Brad Scott is confident ruckman Hamish McIntosh can return from a sore shoulder, while midfielder Ed Lower must be close after a string of solid VFL performances.
PORT ADELAIDE
Defender Nathan Krakouer is still battling a groin complaint and will need to get through Wednesday’s main training session to prove his fitness. Forward Daniel Stewart booted 2.5 for North Adelaide last weekend and could come into the side at the expense of Jay Schulz. Utility Cameron Cloke should be considered as an alternative for out-of-form forward Justin Westhoff, and Josh Carr continues to press for selection with strong performances in the SANFL.
RICHMOND
Daniel Jackson is on report and could miss, but Ben Cousins is looking like he'll be fit, so would slide straight into his spot. Nathan Foley has pulled up well, while Tom Hislop or Jake King (1.6 for Coburg) are also a chance, but it would be hard to drop too many from the side that did so well against the Hawks.
ST KILDA
As the Saints struggle to cope without Nick Riewoldt, the jungle drums have been beating for youngster Rhys Stanley to make his debut. Coach Ross Lyon is more measured, pointing out that Stanley has struggled for consistency at VFL level. But he had a good game last week for Sandringham, as did midfielder Jack Steven. Jesse Smith also continues to make improvement as he comes back from injury and he could be an option down the track.
SYDNEY SWANS
Daniel Bradshaw (knee) is certain to return against Fremantle after he failed to make the trip to Canberra in round eight, while Ben McGlynn (quad) is still a 50-50 chance to resume his place. The reserves had a bye last weekend, preventing any others from putting their hands up for selection but Campbell Heath, Dylan McNeil and Daniel Currie remain top of the list after a strong month in the seconds.
WEST COAST
Ash Hansen is demanding selection after his third consecutive seven-goal haul in the WAFL. He has booted 26 goals in his last four games for Swan Districts and will be considered to face St Kilda, along with Brett Jones (arm) and Luke Shuey (knee), who have recovered from injury. Sam Butler has played two games with Perth after suffering a facial fracture, while Andrew Embley should return after serving a two-game suspension.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Ryan Griffen will come in after being a late withdrawal last week with a sore back and Liam Picken will be considered for his first game since round three after overcoming an eight-week ankle injury in just five. Andrejs Everitt (ankle) is likely to miss again while Robert Murphy will leave the side after an arthroscope on a cyst in his knee. Brad Johnson is out for three weeks with continuing achilles problems.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
