Plenty of intrigue surrounds the make-up of the four teams ready to battle this weekend
CARLTON
If tough midfielder Brock McLean can get through the Blues' main training session on Wednesday, he will probably return for the semi-final clash with the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on Saturday. McLean (quad) was a late withdrawal from the side that upset Richmond in the first elimination final. With ruckman Matthew Kreuzer pulling up sore, Levi Casboult will be on standby for the forward/ruck role. Others in contention for an unlikely recall include midfielders David Ellard, Nick Graham, Kane Lucas and Jaryd Cachia, and small defender Aaron Joseph. - Ben Collins
GEELONG
The Cats have to replace star defender Corey Enright, who has been ruled out of the clash with Port Adelaide on Friday night after suffering a medial ligament strain against Fremantle last weekend. Josh Hunt is the front-runner to take Enright's place, although George Horlin-Smith, George Burbury, Jackson Thurlow, Jordan Murdoch and Taylor Hunt are also in the mix. Doubt remains over whether key forward Tom Hawkins, who has battled a back injury all season, will be fit to play. If Hawkins does not come up, Cats coach Chris Scott has raised the possibility of young forward Shane Kersten making his debut this weekend. - Adam McNicol
PORT ADELAIDE
With no injuries sustained in the Power's elimination final win, selection isn't getting any easier for coach Ken Hinkley. As well as last week's emergencies Jack Hombsch, Cameron Hitchcock and Jake Neade all pushing for a place in the semi-final side, Paul Stewart (26 possessions, five tackles) and Matt Thomas (28 disposals, six tackles) were both exceptional in the SANFL. It was Stewart's first game back after breaking his wrist in round 19 and he played "like a guy that wanted to get noticed," said development coach Stuart Cochrane. Sam Colquhoun could be forced out of the side after being subbed with hamstring tightness, opening the door for Stewart. - Harry Thring
SYDNEY SWANS
For the first time in three months, one considerable name is back in the mix – Adam Goodes. Ever since his knee surgery after round 13, there has been constant interest in when, and then increasingly if, the superstar would return in 2013. Finally back training, he would need to have a very good week on the track to earn a sudden recall, although his undoubted abilities make him a tempting prospect as the coaching staff look for a spark. The Swans were well down on their usual standards in the second half against Hawthorn and it will be interesting to see how they tinker the line-up. Having rushed Lewis Jetta back into the side, it appears likely he will now stay there. Gary Rohan is under the microscope after his quiet game against the Hawks, while Jarrad McVeigh and Jude Bolton have minor injury concerns. Brandon Jack, Jed Lamb, Mitch Morton and Harry Cunningham are ready if called upon. - James Dampney
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Be part of AFL Opening Round to kick-off the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season in QLD. March 6-9. Brisbane Lions host Geelong at the GABBA and Gold Coast SUNS take on Essendon at People First Stadium.