Coach Neil Craig will be reluctant to make changes to the team that toppled Geelong, but the form of defender Nathan Bock could force his hand. Bock starred for Woodville-West Torrens and if he’s not recalled he'll play SANFL reserves, as the Eagles have the bye. Jason Porplyzia’s club West Adelaide had the bye last weekend, meaning he is unlikely to press his claims for selection this week.
BRISBANE LIONS
Michael Voss loses Ash McGrath to suspension, but could regain champion midfielder Simon Black should he overcome an ankle problem. McGrath’s absence may open the door for Cheynee Stiller who impressed in the reserves last week. Aaron Cornelius is certain to earn a recall after starring with seven goals at the lower level, and Albert Proud and Ryan Harwood are good chances to win a call up. Forward Bryce Retzlaff could be included, but Xavier Clarke will need more match fitness.
CARLTON
Kane Lucas is out after suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday and there will be a few nervous under-achievers sweating on selection. Ryan Houlihan should return from injury while Setanta O’hAilpin and Bret Thornton, who were both dropped last week, were named in the best for the Bullants along with Chris Johnson and David Ellard. Brad Fisher booted another four goals in the VFL and must be close to playing.
COLLINGWOOD
Collingwood is unlikely to make too many changes. Skipper Nick Maxwell (calf) and Brad Dick (shoulder) will be back in contention but could be given another week to overcome their injuries. At reserve level, Simon Buckley has been good for a number of weeks now and is getting closer to his Collingwood debut, Luke Rounds continues to mount a case after kicking four goals while Paul Medhurst booted two last week.
ESSENDON
The Bombers are set to regain Andrew Welsh, David Hille and Ricky Dyson. Jobe Watson will play despite media reports of an injured calf. If Hille is deemed fit to play, Tom Bellchambers is likely to be replaced while Bachar Houli put his hand up for selection again after another strong performance for Bendigo.
FREMANTLE
Key defenders Chris Tarrant (heel) and Antoni Grover (hamstring) are in line to return this week, potentially giving Fremantle a full-strength defence for its clash with the Bulldogs. Forward Chris Mayne (ankle) has missed five matches, but he boasts a strong history returning from injury and may also come straight back into the side. In the WAFL, Clancee Pearce (24 possessions), Byron Schammer (32 and two goals) and Nick Suban (17) mounted their cases, although opportunities may not present this week.
GEELONG
Key forward Tom Hawkins had a quiet return in the VFL after shaking off his foot injury, but he's expected to win a recall for Saturday's clash with the battling Brisbane Lions at Skilled Stadium. If the Cats decide to further freshen up the team that lost to Adelaide in round 16, young midfielders Nathan Djerrkura and Mitch Duncan are in line to be promoted. Djerrkura collected 34 possessions in the VFL last weekend, while Duncan continued his impressive debut season.
HAWTHORN
Lance Franklin is right to go after missing the Hawks’ demolition of the Brisbane Lions with an ankle injury and it’s hard to make a case for further changes. Rick Ladson was among Box Hill’s best despite copping a heavy knock while rookies Garry Moss and Riley Milne were best in the VFL affiliate’s win over Sandringham. Simon Taylor again made good strides in his return from a broken leg, but is at least another week away.
MELBOURNE
At the risk of repeating ourselves, James McDonald must be on the verge of returning from a hamstring injury that has kept him out for more than a month. Rookie Jordan Gysberts is also close to a comeback from his back injury but he is more likely to come back via the VFL. Addam Maric booted three goals for VFL side Casey while Brad Miller also did his chances no harm with a solid performance up forward.
NORTH MELBOURNE
At least one change will be made to the side that rolled Richmond, with defender Robbie Tarrant (thumb) already ruled out. Wingman Sam Wright (concussion) may also struggle to hold his spot which could create an opening for Leigh Harding, who was among VFL affiliate North Ballarat's better players with 35 possessions. Werribee pair Ben Speight (20 possessions) and Jamie Macmillan are neck and neck for an AFL debut, with Speight's prospects boosted by Lindsay Thomas' knee injury.
PORT ADELAIDE
Travis Boak, Alipate Carlile, Robbie Gray, Nathan Krakouer and Matt Thomas are all in contention to play against the Crows, while Chad Cornes’ Showdown record could also see him recalled after a week in the SANFL. Daniel Motlop (suspension) and Steven Salopek (shoulder) are likely to miss Josh Carr’s farewell game, but promising first-year player Andrew Moore is on caretaker coach Matthew Primus’ radar and will get another taste of AFL in the weeks to come.
RICHMOND
The Tigers are set to lose Trent Cotchin through suspension. Coach Damien Hardwick said on the weekend that young ruckman Andrew Browne - who has had a run of sustained good form in the VFL - would play AFL again before the end of the year, and with Angus Graham and Ty Vickery being soundly beaten on the weekend, this could be his chance. Alex Rance has also continued his good form, while Mitch Morton led the scoring for Coburg with three majors.
ST KILDA
Nick Dal Santo was a late withdrawal from last week's loss to Collingwood and should come straight back into the side. Raphael Clarke is also close to a return from the hamstring injury that has kept him out over the past few weeks. Tom Lynch continues to perform consistently for VFL side Sandringham and can't be too far off making his senior debut.
SYDNEY SWANS
Nick Smith's hamstring injury against Carlton opens the door for the likes of Craig Bird, Lewis Jetta, and Gary Rohan to return against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, while Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) will also miss and Jarrad McVeigh (calf) will be monitored. First-year defender Sam Reid impressed in the ruck and down back in the reserves' 67-point loss to Ainslie. Rookies Dylan McNeil and Nathan Gordon also continued their good form.
WEST COAST
With defender Eric Mackenzie escaping suspension this week, it is unlikely West Coast will make any changes to the side that beat Essendon by 32 points in round 16. A small Carlton forward line looms, but key defenders Mitch Brown and Will Schofield have the versatility to play on both tall and small forwards. Brett Jones and Pat McGinnity, who both performed well for Claremont in the WAFL, are smaller defensive options.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Barry Hall is a chance to return from an ankle injury while Jordan Roughead is considered a near certainty after being a late withdrawal with gastro in Darwin. It looks like Jason Akermanis will need to spend at least another week in the VFL with Rodney Eade keen to make as few changes as possible, however the return trip from the Top End could force his hand. Dylan Addison was also in Williamstown’s best players.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
