Stars Andrew McLeod and Graham Johncock are in doubt for the Crows' must-win game against North Melbourne with AC joint injuries, but Patrick Dangerfield should be cleared to return after two weeks on the sidelines with a broken hand. Midfielder Rory Sloane, forward Taylor Walker and defender Tony Armstrong all had solid games in the SANFL last weekend and will be considered if McLeod and Johncock fail to come up.
BRISBANE LIONS
Jared Brennan and Josh Drummond go out of last week’s side, but the list of potential replacements to face Geelong is extensive. Matt Maguire returns from suspension, while the coach hopes Joel Patfull and Daniel Merrett recover from hamstrings in time to face the Cats. Troy Selwood, Amon Buchanan and Sam Sheldon and perhaps even Aaron Cornelius are among those who will be considered as the Lions try to end their losing streak.
CARLTON
Paul Bower’s quad strain is again cause for concern at Visy Park after it forced him out of Monday night’s big win over St Kilda, while Jarrad Waite’s knee will continue to be monitored very closely. Brock McLean missed with a hip complaint, but should be in the frame to push for selection. David Ellard was rated the Bullants’ best player in their loss at the weekend while Simon Wiggins and Lachie Henderson each booted two goals.
COLLINGWOOD
Sharrod Wellingham and Josh Fraser both missed through injury last week but will be at the top of a list vying for a recall. Veteran defender Simon Prestigiacomo resumed through the VFL last week and got through unscathed, making way for a possible return to the AFL. Leigh Brown impressed in the Pies’ VFL win, while John Anthony booted four goals to show signs he is slowly re-discovering some form and confidence. Tarkyn Lockyer is another who may be considered.
ESSENDON
Henry Slattery will miss after suffering a heavy knock to the ribs during Saturday's loss to Port Adelaide while Andrew Welsh will serve the second week of his four-week ban. With Ricky Dyson, Tayte Pears and Kyle Reimers still sidelined, opportunities for Mark Williams, Travis Coyler and Leroy Jetta are there should Matthew Knights decide to shake things up.
FREMANTLE
Fremantle’s injury list has whittled away to almost nothing and Mark Harvey has forecast changes to freshen his squad. Nick Suban and Alex Silvagni are first in line to return from ankle injuries. Jay van Berlo was left out of the WAFL last week to ensure his availability this week, while Antoni Grover and Byron Schammer could play their first games for the season. Clayton Hinkley was an emergency last week and performed well in the WAFL.
GEELONG CATS
The big question this week is will Mathew Stokes make an immediate return to the senior side after serving out his club-imposed suspension? The Cats are purring along nicely but it appears odds-on he will return after impressing with his work ethic during his time away. Geelong incurred no injuries over the weekend while James Kelly is in the clear after his matchday report was thrown out. Taylor Hunt, Nathan Djerrkura and Allen Christensen impressed in the VFL.
HAWTHORN
The selection committee at Hawthorn is blessed with choices this week as Lance Franklin, Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne and Rhan Hooper all look set to return from injury. Wayde Skipper could also be in line to bolster the ruck stocks after playing well for VFL side Box Hill last week. Skipper would have to be elevated from the rookie list, as would Luke Breust who would come into consideration after a five goal haul for Box Hill.
MELBOURNE
The Dees' No.1 draft pick from 2008, Jack Watts kicked four goals for Casey last round and with Melbourne hosting West Coast at the MCG it could be intriguing to see Watts play against No.2 pick Nic Naitanui. Jordan Gysberts remains on the cusp of debuting; forward Brad Miller, youngster Neville Jetta and big man Jake Spencer remain in the mix. Cale Morton played his first match in the VFL last week, but expect him to spend further time at Casey.
NORTH MELBOURNE
A shoulder reconstruction for midfielder Liam Anthony has given Leigh Harding (27 disposals, four goals) greater hope of a recall, especially after his weekend performance for North Ballarat. Experienced forward Corey Jones (27 possessions, four goals) had a similarly pleasing game, though he's further back in a pecking order headed by Josh Smith and prospective debutant Nathan O'Keefe. Defender Daniel Pratt was again prominent, while Levi Greenwood (hamstring) would need a flawless week on the track to be considered.
PORT ADELAIDE
Warren Tredrea’s ankle injury has opened the door for one of Jay Schulz, Daniel Stewart or Nick Salter to be recalled to the Power line up. Veteran Josh Carr and utility Michael Pettigrew performed well in the SANFL over the weekend, but it’s hard to see coach Mark Williams making unforced changes to a side that has won three straight games.
RICHMOND
A horrible last quarter on Sunday hid a reasonable first three terms, so don't expect mass sackings. Dean Polo is out due to suspension, and Nathan Foley and Ben Cousins will both be tested later in the week to see if they're right to go. Debutant Jeromey Webberley did enough to hold his spot, while Graham Polak should also hold his place.
ST KILDA
Saints coach Ross Lyon has already floated Ben McEvoy and the untried Rhys Stanley as possible replacements for the injured Steven King. Stanley played just a half for VFL side Sandringham last week so McEvoy might be the safe bet. David Armitage had a week off last week and may come back in, while there were few positive signs to come from the VFL side which lost by 92 points.
SYDNEY SWANS
The Swans should welcome back Dan Hannebery (shoulder) and Ben McGlynn (quad) for Saturday's clash with the Bulldogs, while Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) is certain to play after being a late withdrawal against Geelong. Gary Rohan is a good chance of retaining his place despite a quiet debut against the Cats. In reserves action, defender Campbell Heath, ruckman Daniel Currie and rookie midfielder Dylan McNeil were among the best in a 53-point loss to Tuggeranong.
WEST COAST
Luke Shuey (knee) and Scott Selwood (hamstring) face fitness tests this week, while Sam Butler (facial fracture) is available after a 21-possession WAFL return. Ash Hansen booted his second consecutive seven-goal haul for Swan Districts to put pressure on Ben McKinley and Quinten Lynch, while Mitch Brown kicked three for East Fremantle. Rookie Andrew Strijk, who has shown outstanding ball-use and decision-making in the WAFL, would be getting a game if there was a vacancy on the Eagles’ senior list.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Dogs pulled Jordan Roughead out of Friday night's win over Melbourne for tactical reasons (and because of a slight groin complaint) and could recall him, or Will Minson could be thrown a lifeline after three games in the VFL. Brad Johnson could make the trip to Canberra if his groin passes the test. There is uncertainty on Nathan Eagleton's availability after the veteran missed last week with a leg injury. Easton Wood and Brodie Moles could also be considered.
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
