Injuries suffered by Sam Mitchell (hamstring tendon) and Brian Lake (calf) will force two changes to the team that annihilated St Kilda. If fit, key defender Ben Stratton (corked hip) is the first choice to replace Lake for the clash against the Sydney Swans. Three players seemingly lead the race for Mitchell's spot - Will Langford, if he recovers from a sore back, Jonathan Simpkin and Alex Woodward. Simpkin was Box Hill's best player on Saturday - ahead of defender Kyle Cheney - while Woodward was an emergency against the Saints. - Travis King

Colin Garland is the obvious candidate to return after another good game with Casey Scorpions. He would be an automatic selection when ready, but with James Frawley (toe) and Jack Watts (back) under injury clouds and Jack Viney contesting a suspension several spots may open up. Aidan Riley is the sort of in-and-under player who shapes as a like for like replacement if Viney is rubbed out. Jack Fitzpatrick was impressive and could push to play as another tall forward to stretch the Western Bulldogs' backline while Max Gawn is once again available. Jimmy Toumpas played well but the club might want him to string a few good games before bringing him back. Mitch Clisby and Sam Blease remain in contention but are unlikely. - Peter Ryan

Hamish Hartlett and Alipate Carlile will both return to the line up after missing last weekend's win over Greater Western Sydney with gastro and are tipped to replace Ben Newton and Paul Stewart, who were late inclusions against the Giants. The selection of Carlile and Hartlett will likely prove the Power's only changes as it enters their crucial match against Fremantle at Adelaide Oval on Saturday. As difficult as it would be for Ken Hinkley to alter his winning formula, he's got serious form to choose from in the SANFL. Another 31 disposals from Kane Mitchell saw him upgraded to the senior list, while Andrew Moore (24 disposals, one goal) is working his way back from injury. - Harry Thring

The Saints will again have to make a forced change after Jarryn Geary ruptured a ligament in his right elbow that will cost him 12 weeks. It doesn't sound like Tom Hickey is coming back anytime soon either, with the ruckman suffering from a hot spot in his foot. Sam Fisher also looks doubtful after tightening up in his hamstring in the VFL on the weekend. From Sandringham's win over Essendon, Seb Ross, Arryn Siposs and Terry Milera stood out – Siposs with three goals – while international rookie Jason Holmes was also among the best. Luke Dunstan should be over his concussion and return this week. - Jennifer Phelan

Surely the biggest name in the mix in round eight is Lance Franklin, who is in a race to meet his former side for the first time. Left out of last week's victory over the Brisbane Lions to rest his troublesome knee, Franklin needs to train on Wednesday to have any chance of featuring at ANZ Stadium. Elsewhere there is some good news on its way, with Kurt Tippett finally ready for his first senior game of 2014. Tippett has battled knee and rib troubles, but is fully fit and set to rejoin the forward line. With Mike Pyke suffering a slight hamstring strain against the Lions, Tom Derickx is expected to shoulder the main ruck load. Lewis Roberts-Thomson would be a likely selection to back him up, with rookie Toby Nankervis an outside chance of his AFL debut. Tom Mitchell is also in contention for a recall, but coach John Longmire will probably otherwise stick with the team that has won three straight games. - James Dampney

The Eagles could regain experienced campaigners Mark LeCras and Xavier Ellis for Sunday's clash with Greater Western Sydney at Patersons Stadium. LeCras has recovered from a broken arm, while Ellis has shaken off a calf strain. A number of other players are in the mix after impressive performances in the WAFL. Midfielder Sharrod Wellingham found some touch by gathering 25 disposals and taking eight marks, while Patrick McGinnity, Dom Sheed, Josh Hill and Jeremy McGovern also shone. Ruckman-forward Cal Sinclair, midfielder Brant Colledge and defender Adam Carter are others on the fringe of the Eagles' side who are pushing hard to be recalled. - Adam McNicol

The match committee may finally be unable to resist the impressive VFL form of versatile tall Fletcher Roberts. The 20-year-old defender, who hasn't played senior footy since his debut season of 2012, was best on ground for the Dogs in their narrow loss to North Ballarat on the weekend. Mitch Wallis also put his hand up for a recall with 30 touches and eight tackles. If Brendan McCartney is looking for more run, midfielders Nathan Hrovat or Jason Tutt could come into calculations. Clay Smith stood out once again in his return from a knee reconstruction - Ryan Davidson