Centre half-back Nathan Bock is a chance to return from a hamstring complaint, but forward Ricky Henderson will be sidelined for 2-3 weeks after straining his hamstring on debut against the Western Bulldogs. Midfielder David Mackay will also miss at least another game with a groin injury, leaving the door open for rookie Matthew Jaensch to play his first AFL game. Taylor Walker (three goals) and Shaun McKernan (five goals) displayed good form in the SANFL and will also be considered.
BRISBANE LIONS
Coach Michael Voss expects Luke Power (hamstring) and Justin Sherman (corked thigh) to be fit to tackle the Sydney Swans, although the Lions are likely to lose Daniel Merrett with a hamstring injury. Jed Adcock (quad), Amon Buchanan (thumb) and Cheynee Stiller (hamstring) are among those who missed the Lions’ loss to Melbourne but might be in contention for a call-up in round six. Aaron Cornelius, Troy Selwood and Tom Collier all impressed for the Lions’ reserve grade side.
CARLTON
Andrew Walker’s collarbone injury looks set to pave the way for Jarrad Waite’s return. Paul Bower has now missed a month with a leg injury, but his possible availability appears the only obstacle to Waite’s return. Richard Hadley was the Bullants’ best player while Shaun Grigg, Sam Jacobs and Simon Wiggins also rated a mention. Bret Thornton’s VFL exile looks set to continue after he missed with an ankle injury.
COLLINGWOOD
The in-form Collingwood has an embarrassment of riches at its disposal. Tarkyn Lockyer and Leigh Brown were left out last week but could be called on against the Blues this week, while the Pies will hope to regain Simon Prestigiacomo from groin soreness. Cameron Wood has now played two matches in his return from a finger injury, while Jaxson Barham, John McCarthy and Tyson Goldsack were also among the best in the VFL.
ESSENDON
Will Matthew Knights swing the axe? Tayte Pears and Kyle Reimers are both out with injuries and Jason Winderlich looks like he needs a run with Bendigo, but Andrew Welsh will probably survive. Jay Neagle has looked good in the VFL, so could be a tall forward option if Michael Hurley gets sent back to cover for the injured Pears. It's also hard to see how a player of Brent Prismall's quality can stay in the VFL for too long.
FREMANTLE
Rhys Palmer is expected to make his long-awaited AFL return from a knee reconstruction this week. The key midfielder has played five WAFL games on the comeback trail, including an outstanding 31-possession, two-goal effort on the weekend. Nick Suban is also in contention after missing two weeks with an ankle injury. Defender Michael Johnson continues to provide ruck support for Aaron Sandilands, meaning the good WAFL form of Kepler Bradley and Zac Clarke is unlikely to be rewarded this week.
GEELONG CATS
Tom Hawkins, Mark Blake and Shannon Byrnes are all in the gun after poor performances on Monday. Joel Corey was a late withdrawal from the side with knee soreness and must pass a fitness test to resume. Mark Thompson would dearly love Mathew Stokes after his BOG in the VFL, but he is still suspended. Ryan Gamble, Trent West and Taylor Hunt were also among the best VFL players. Matthew Scarlett should resume from a back injury while Mitch Duncan should also return.
HAWTHORN
Brent Renouf should come straight back into the side after missing Sunday's clash with North Melbourne with a virus. Skipper Sam Mitchell is also a fair chance to return from the hamstring injury that kept him out last week. Luke Breust and Beau Muston were impressive for VFL side Box Hill and will come into consideration.
MELBOURNE
Defender Jared Rivers was among Casey's best last weekend after missing three matches with a knee injury and will be a chance to return. Jordan Gysberts and Kyle Cheney remain on the cusp after they were emergencies last round. Tall forwards Michael Newton (three goals), Brad Miller (two) and Jack Watts (two) featured for the Scorpions and could be in the mix. Addam Maric was also among Casey's best and will be thereabouts.
NORTH MELBOURNE
There will be reluctance to tinker with a winning line-up, though the Roos face one forced change with half-back Gavin Urquhart struggling with a knee injury. Daniel Pratt and Leigh Harding produced strong performances for North Ballarat in the VFL, while Ben Ross was among Werribee's better players and can offer midfield run. Another decision for coach Brad Scott is whether to stick with his three ruckmen, knowing that Todd Goldstein kicked five goals in last year's win over Melbourne.
PORT ADELAIDE
Forward Daniel Motlop has overcome a hamstring injury and could make a surprise return against Adelaide on Saturday afternoon. Nathan Krakouer (groin) and Cameron Hitchcock (back/shoulder) have been cleared to play and tough nut Tom Logan should also be fit to take on the Crows, despite being concussed in the big win over St Kilda.
RICHMOND
Richmond must make at least two changes this week, with Troy Taylor and Richard Tambling both missing through injury. Dean Polo and Mitch Morton have both been flying for Coburg and could slot straight in, with Morton kicking 3.4 and Polo two - including the goal that got them over the line - in Coburg's first win of the year. Polo played in a variety of positions for his 24 touches, while Jake King also booted three.
ST KILDA
The Saints won't reveal how long Jason Gram is expected to miss with a hip complaint. Farren Ray was a late withdrawal from the Port Adelaide game with an ankle injury but he should make it back. Ben McEvoy was impressive in the VFL and could be in line for a senior recall.
SYDNEY SWANS
Nick Smith is likely to retain his place after Craig Bolton sustained an achilles injury against West Coast. If Paul Roos is looking to replace Bolton with senior experience, both Paul Bevan and Ted Richards are ready. Rookie midfielder Dylan McNeil is rising up the pecking order after two strong weeks in the reserves, while talls Mike Pyke and Daniel Currie also impressed. Pat Veszpremi (five goals), Lewis Johnston (four) and Trent Dennis-Lane (four) filled their boots in the big win against Ainslie.
WEST COAST
Out-of-favour forwards Quinten Lynch, Ben McKinley and Ash Hansen, who booted five goals in the WAFL, are all being considered to boost a struggling attack this week. Mark Nicoski is also available after missing three games with a shoulder injury, while Sam Butler (facial fracture) could return to the defence. Recruits Brad Sheppard and Koby Stevens continue to push for debuts, but Tom Swift (34 possessions) would be ahead of them at this stage after a best-on-ground performance for Claremont.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Rodney Eade has forecast few changes to his side with only Matthew Boyd and Ryan Hargrave chances to come in. Boyd (hand) will need to be cleared by his surgeon to play while Hargrave is rated a strong chance after overcoming the neck injury that sidelined him last week. Will Minson and Josh Hill look likely to remain in the VFL with Jordan Roughead and Jarrad Grant expected to hold their spots.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
