• Finals crystal ball: week one finals predictions
• Nine things we learned from round 22
• Around the state leagues: how your seconds performed
• The injury list: Your club's sidelined players

Adelaide

Barring an injury at training during the week, it's impossible to fathom coach Scott Camporeale changing the side that thrashed West Coast last weekend. There wasn't a single passenger against the Eagles so, all should retain their place in the senior line-up. That would leave James Podsiadly as one of the unluckiest players going around. He won 29 possessions and booted 11.6 in the SANFL at the weekend, a week after kicking nine goals. His form reflects the incredible depth the Crows have at their disposal. Sam Kerridge (31 disposals, nine clearances), Matt Wright (28 possessions, nine clearances), Cam Ellis-Yolmen, Kyle Cheney, Andy Otten and David Mackay are all performing strongly and pressuring the senior side to do the same. - Harry Thring

"Brisbane

Ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (knee) is the only possible inclusion from the long Lions injury list, needing to overcome another test to be available to play the Western Bulldogs on Saturday. Even if he's passed fit, there might not be a suitable match-up for Leuenberger against the smaller, quicker Dogs. It's hard to see Justin Leppitsch making too many changes for the final round, but Rohan Bewick and Zac O'Brien were strong in the NEAFL  at the weekend. - Michael Whiting

Carlton

Options are in short supply at Carlton as the club’s injury list continues to grow. The Blues will be forced to make at least two changes for Saturday’s game against Hawthorn. Chris Yarran (hamstring strain) and Sam Docherty (hip surgery) have been ruled out. David Ellard finished last Saturday’s game against Greater Western Sydney on the bench after being concussed and is unlikely to line up on Saturday. But the Blues will regain Andrew Carrazzo (toe), who will make his final appearance for the club against the Hawks after announcing his retirement on Tuesday.  Clem Smith travelled with the senior team and was first emergency last Saturday, so he is likely to come in. Liam Jones played a lone hand up forward in the VFL, finishing with 18 disposals to go with his two goals against Geelong at Simonds Stadium on Saturday. - Howard Kotton

Andrew Carrazzo will suit up for the Blues one final time against Hawthorn. Picture: AFL Media

Collingwood

The Magpies will be forced to make at least two changes for their final-round clash with Essendon at the MCG on Sunday, with Dane Swan suffering a knee injury and Ben Sinclair a broken hand in the win over Geelong. Spearhead Travis Cloke could return after being a late withdrawal for the Cats clash with a hamstring issue, while defender Adam Oxley and midfielder Ben Kennedy are in the frame after exceptional efforts in the Pies' hard-fought VFL win over Port Melbourne. Ruckman Jarrod Witts and backman Jack Frost also performed strongly, and Paul Seedsman is another runner who could be considered. - Ben Collins

Essendon

First-year half-forward Kyle Langford racked up a team-high 24 disposals in the VFL last week and could break back into Essendon’s senior team. Langford had eight marks and six clearances and spent some time in the midfield, and could get a recall against Collingwood on Sunday to finish his debut season at AFL level. Ariel Steinberg was good in the backline and Jason Ashby again performed well, while Alex Browne and Elliott Kavanagh are also a chance to get into the Bombers’ final senior team for 2015. Courtenay Dempsey will likely be suspended for his 'severe' tackle on Brett Deledio, but veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (groin) is a 50/50 possibility to be fit to take on the Magpies in what would likely be his farewell game for the club.- Callum Twomey

Fremantle

Ross Lyon has confirmed at least six players will miss this week but the Dockers have said it could be up to 11. The six confirmed are Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin, Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Stephen Hill and Lee Spurr. Cam Sutcliffe is set to miss with his shoulder injury, which would make it seven. Lyon said decisions will be made on Michael Johnson, Nick Suban, Danyle Pearce, Chris Mayne and a couple of others later in the week. Michael Walters won't be risked with calf soreness. Nat Fyfe is still unavailable, while Hayden Ballantyne has been badgering the coach to play but he won't be risked. As far as their replacements go, Lyon confirmed Connor Blakely would make his AFL debut against Port. Hayden Crozier, Lachie Weller, Alex Pearce, Matt Taberner, Zac Clarke, Max Duffy, Brady Grey and Jack Hannath are also all in line for a call-up. The Dockers do have three players on the long-term injury list – Anthony Morabito, Michael Apeness and Josh Deluca. Tanner Smith was upgraded mid-year and is available while Jacob Ballard and Ethan Hughes could be elevated in place of the other two if needed. - Alex Malcolm

Young Docker Connor Blakely is set to make his debut this weekend. Picture: AFL Media

Geelong

A tough week for Geelong and you'd imagine sentiment will drive selection to some extent. Mathew Stokes should have a spot, while Mitch Duncan and Josh Caddy will return if fit. Shane Kersten would be some chance given Josh Walker was subbed off at half-time in the loss to Collingwood, and the Cats will have a decision to make in regards to playing Daniel Menzel for the final game of the season. The suspicion is that he will play. Veterans Steve Johnson, Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly, Andrew Mackie and Corey Enright will all play alongside Stokes. Whatever decisions are made, it will certainly be the last time all six premiership players take the field together. – Peter Ryan

Cats fans will get a chance to farewell Mathew Stokes on Saturday. Picture: AFL Media

Gold Coast

The Suns are limping to the finish line but could regain the services of long-kicking defender Trent McKenzie for the final round against the Sydney Swans. McKenzie has missed the past three weeks with a hamstring injury and needs to just get through Thursday's main training session to be in contention. His timing is perfect, as young defender Clay Cameron (concussion) struggles to get over a heavy knock, while Luke Russell (ribs) and Danny Stanley (hip flexor) also race the clock. - Michael Whiting

GWS

With star Ryan Griffen ruled out for the last game of the season there's a spot in the midfield up for grabs at the Giants. Jack Steele did his chances of a recall no harm with 33 touches in the NEAFL last week, while Jake Barrett matched that feat and must be in contention for what would be a well-deserved debut. Young key defender Nick Haynes could be fit after missing another game with groin soreness and would be a big inclusion for coach Leon Cameron. Matt Buntine made an encouraging return in the reserves after some concussion issues in a great sign for GWS, while Curtly Hampton, Rory Lobb and Jacob were Townsend also among the best in a rare NEAFL loss for the Giants. - Adam Curley



Hawthorn

Sam Mitchell probably would've preferred to play against the Lions, but taking the weekend off due to illness might have the added bonus of freshening him up ahead of an expected return against Carlton. Small forward Paul Puopolo should also make his comeback from a rolled ankle. Key defender Matt Spangher (hamstring) made his long-awaited return to football for Box Hill last round, although it's likely he will need at least one more VFL match before coming into senior contention. Ryan Schoenmakers is sure to still be in the mix after being omitted, while Angus Litherland and Brendan Whitecross – who is running into some strong form – are also ready to step up if required. – Travis King

Melbourne

Captain Nathan Jones is no certainty to be fit for the club's final round duel with Greater Western Sydney after injuring his ankle in his 200th game against Fremantle last weekend. Heritier Lumumba (ankle) has been ruled out, while forward Chris Dawes (ankle) and ruckman Jake Spencer (concussion) will face fitness tests. However, youngsters Angus Brayshaw and James Harmes, who were rested for Sunday's game against Hawthorn, are earmarked to return against the Giants. Young forward Jay Kennedy-Harris may be recalled after 16 disposals and 10 tackles in a strong performance for Casey last weekend. Rohan Bail (21 and 11) also impressed, with Jimmy Toumpas picking up 16 touches and seven tackles to press his claims. - Ben Guthrie

North Melbourne

Daniel Wells is unlikely to play at any level this weekend after suffering a low-grade calf strain in the VFL last Saturday, with the star midfielder's chances of a senior return this year fading by the day. Small forward Lindsay Thomas is a chance to return from the foot injury that sidelined him last round, while Luke McDonald will be available after he was given a week off with general soreness. Forwards Majak Daw (three goals) and Mason Wood (20 disposals and two goals) again put their names up for senior selection with strong performances in Werribee's loss to Footscray last Sunday. Midfielders Trent Dumont (24 possessions) and Brad McKenzie (21) were among North Ballarat's best players in last Saturday's win over Coburg. - Nick Bowen

Port Adelaide

Jay Schulz's back will again be monitored this week as he looks to return to Port's senior line-up for what could be – if he decides to join Fremantle in October – the final time. Despite the huge melee up at the Gold Coast, the Power didn't record any new injuries and so Schulz's return could be the club's only change. Kane Mitchell was dominant in the SANFL though, amassing 36 possessions, 11 clearances and kicking a goal for the Magpies, while Andrew Moore (27, one goal) and Paul Stewart (25, 12 marks) were also handy. Mason Shaw kicked three goals. - Harry Thring

Jay Schulz may play his final game for Port Adelaide against Fremantle. Picture: AFL Media

Richmond

Captain Trent Cotchin has declared he will return from a one-week break with a back injury to tune up for the finals. Midfielder Reece Conca could also be available, leaving the Tigers with a decision to make after three weeks sidelined with a hamstring. The risk of bringing Conca straight into a final would likely be too much of a risk, so do they roll the dice now and hope he holds up? The incentive to win the final home and away game is clear for the Tigers to avoid an away final against Adelaide, so the prospect of resting players is unlikely. Brett Deledio is the only star the club could rest if it decides later in the week he would benefit after suffering neck tightness.  - Nathan Schmook

St Kilda

The Saints will need to make at least one change to replace Adam Schneider, who played his last AFL game on Sunday against his former team the Sydney Swans. Farren Ray was an emergency on the weekend and didn't play in the VFL, while Josh Saunders, who was also omitted from the previous week's team, collected 24 disposals in Sandringham's win over the Casey Scorpions. Jack Lonie, Blake Acres and Eli Templeton could come into calculations after missing with injury but they've lost Billy Longer, with the ruckman already undergoing shoulder surgery. Rookie-listed Ahmed Saad kicked four goals in the VFL but needs to be elevated to play. Tom Hickey struggled last week against the Swans while Lewis Pierce was dominant at VFL level, which could provide a discussion point at the selection table this week. - Jennifer Phelan

Sydney Swans

Small defender Nick Smith looks to be the Swans only headache from last week's massive win over St Kilda with a hamstring strain, but in better news, Ben McGlynn got through a game in the NEAFL after recovering from his own hammy troubles. The speedster had 22 touches, while veteran Craig Bird had 27 possessions and 12 clearances in the Swans' reserves win. Last week's travelling emergencies Jake Lloyd and Dean Towers, plus James Rose and George Hewett could also be considered to replace Smith if he misses this week's game against Gold Coast. Lance Franklin successfully returned from a back problem against the Saints, as did Gary Rohan (knee), so the Swans look to be getting their best side together at the right time. - Adam Curley

West Coast

The Eagles could regain as many as five players this week. Chris Masten will come straight back from suspension, while Will Schofield and Sam Butler are set to be available after recovering from hamstring injuries. Schofield should come straight back in if he is passed fit but Butler has played just five games at all levels since round 11. Scott Selwood gathered 21 possessions for East Perth last week after missing the previous two with ankle soreness. Sharrod Wellingham will need to train this week to prove his ankle is right to go after missing last week. Jeremy McGovern should be fine after copping a knock to his AC joint during the loss to Adelaide. He was subbed out but has pulled up well and needs to play following the two hamstring strains in the past seven weeks. - Alex Malcolm

 

Western Bulldogs

The Bulldogs got through the win over North Melbourne unscathed, and coach Luke Beveridge suggested he might rest a few players ahead of finals.  He has several players putting up their hands up for a senior recall against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday. Big-money recruit Tom Boyd impressed in Footscray's win over Werribee by kicking the match-winning goal, presenting well and taking several strong marks. Midfielder Caleb Daniel looked a class above picking up 21 disposals while key defender Fletcher Roberts looks set to add some much needed height to the Dogs' backline after an accomplished afternoon of strong marking and timely spoils. Ayce Cordy, Brett Goodes (18 disposals and a goal) and Bailey Dale (18 disposals) also had serviceable games. Will Minson's absence from the senior side appears justified after he had limited impact in the ruck and around the ground. The 30-year-old's cause won't be helped with fellow ruckman Tom Campbell available for selection after recovering from a corked thigh. Forwards Jarrad Grant and Jack Redpath loom as the two most under-pressure to retain their spots after quiet outings against the Kangaroos. - Ryan Davidson