• Nine things we learned from round five
• After the siren: Who dares wins for the season's surprise packet
• Click here for the full AFL injury list
• Fantasy form watch: round five

Draftee Jake Lever has been flagged as a possible inclusion for the Crows as they look to insert height into their defence. The No. 14 pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft has been consistently improving in the SANFL and managed 26 possessions across half-back last weekend. Rory Sloane (corked calf) and Ricky Henderson (chest) will both have fitness tests but are expected to face Gold Coast. Richard Douglas' foot injury opens a place up, but it will be interesting to see whether coach Phil Walsh decides to include a more inside-skewed midfielder like Jarryd Lyons or Matt Crouch, or maybe Sam Kerridge could gain selection after a sensational return to SANFL football from injury (36 possessions, five clearances). Mitch Grigg (29 possessions, nine clearances, one goal) is another possible inclusion, while rookie ruckman Reilly O'Brien (30 hit-outs, eight clearances) keeps impressing. - Harry Thring

While skipper Tom Rockliff needs to pass concussion tests to be available to play Carlton on Sunday, luckless forward Brent Staker (hamstring) will miss. After five straight losses, coach Justin Leppitsch indicated he would make more changes, but the Lions are running out of troops. James Aish was reported in the NEAFL, but got off, and played strongly to press his claims for a recall. Ryan Harwood and Ryan Lester were also good, while Matthew Leuenberger is literally the only remaining fit tall player if the Lions want to replace Staker with some height. - Michael Whiting

In an insipid loss to Collingwood last Friday night the Blues' woes were compounded by a hamstring injury to key forward Lachie Henderson. Henderson will miss the must-win game against bottom team Brisbane Lions. On a more positive note, vice-captain Michael Jamison, a late withdrawal against the Magpies with a calf injury, is likely to be available. Big man Matthew Kreuzer is likely to return from injury this weekend and play his first game in the VFL. Kreuzer missed all bar one game last season with right foot fractures and suffered another break in the same foot in February. Spirits were buoyed by the Northern Blues' maiden win for 2015 in the VFL against Sandringham on Sunday. Troy Menzel returned from a calf injury to boot two goals from eight disposals. Nick Graham starred again, kicking the sealer in the dying moments – his third for the game. He finished with 17 kicks, five handballs, four marks and three tackles. Nick Holman was also prominent. - Howard Kotton

Talented midfielder/forward Tim Broomhead has overcome the illness that sidelined him last week and is likely to slot straight back into the Pies' line-up for their clash with Geelong at the MCG on Friday night. Anzac medallist Paul Seedsman (glute) and small defender Jackson Ramsay (leg) remain in doubt after suffering minor injuries in last week's big win over Carlton, but the Pies aren't struggling for reinforcements. In a nail-biting VFL win over reigning premier Footscray at Victoria Park, draftee Jordan De Goey produced his third strong VFL performance in succession, slotting an equal game-high three goals as he and Alex Fasolo (two goals) proved a formidable midfield/forward combination. - Ben Collins 

Essendon's VFL team lost to the Casey Scorpions on the weekend, but there were some promising performances from AFL-listed players. Jason Ashby played well across half-back, and Elliott Kavanagh continues to string together some solid games through the midfield. Orazio Fantasia also continues to press his claims for senior selection with some dash from half-back. He has some pace and pizazz about his game, which the Bombers are lacking at the moment at AFL level. Jayden Laverde is likely to take a couple more standout games before winning an AFL debut, but the first-year Bomber has shown some likely signs in the VFL. - Cal Twomey

The Dockers will sweat on the concussion tests that Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters need to undergo this week. If Walters is ruled out, Hayden Crozier and Max Duffy are ready to come in as like-for-like replacements. Crozier had 17 touches and a goal in the WAFL, while Duffy had 13 disposals, but it was in a 47-point loss. Both have been in good touch recently. Tendai Mzungu was a travelling emergency last week and is desperate for an opportunity. If Pavlich misses, it may cause structural issues. Jon Griffin is in superb form in the WAFL but it is unlikely the Dockers would want to play three ruckmen. Brady Grey (22 disposals and a goal), Lachie Weller (21 and one), Tommy Sheridan (20) and Connor Blakely (20) are all waiting for a chance.  – Alex Malcolm

Walters has been subbed out after suffering concussion in this hit #AFLDeesFreo http://t.co/cIVX1t6hMd

— AFL (@AFL) May 3, 2015

If Mitch Clark's foot has settled, he may force out either Shane Kersten or Josh Walker. Both contributed in the win over Richmond, although Kersten might suit the forward line mix better than Walker. James Kelly will miss after having surgery Saturday night to repair a ruptured testicle. It may open the door for either Dean Gore or Jake Kolodjashnij to make their debut. Both have been consistent in the VFL although they had quiet games on Saturday. Gore is more a midfield type whereas Kolodjashnij is a defender, so Gore might be ahead. Nakia Cockatoo was impressive after dropping back a level – the football department will need to decide whether he needs more than one game in the VFL so he hits the AFL in top form. Mathew Stokes remains doubtful although he will be pushing for a return. Rhys Stanley may be available but Dawson Simpson will be hard to force out after a good effort on Saturday. Andrew Mackie looks set to miss another week. Hamish McIntosh had a calf niggle so is unlikely to be recalled.  – Peter Ryan 

Mathew Stokes will be pushing for a return for Geelong's clash against Collingwood. Picture: AFL Media

Despite winning their first match of the season last week, the Suns will make wholesale changes to take on Adelaide at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, courtesy of injury and suspension. They will be without Harley Bennell, Trent McKenzie and Brandon Matera who were all suspended for ill-discipline through the week, while Jack Martin (ankle), Seb Tape (knee) and Jarrod Garlett (ankle) are injured. Rory Thompson (hip) will return, as will rookie-elevated Andrew Raines, Mitch Hallahan, Luke Russell, Aaron Hall and Danny Stanley. - Michael Whiting  

After the Giants' poor showing against West Coast in Perth, academy product Jack Steele's second successive best on ground performance in the reserves has him in line for an AFL debut this week against Hawthorn. Steele was again damaging through the midfield for the Giants in the NEAFL, while defenders Tim Mohr and Adam Kennedy, plus forward Jed Lamb, who kicked three goals, were impressive in a losing side. – Adam Curley 

Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis are irreplaceable, but the Hawks have some more than handy back-ups ready to go. Small forward Paul Puopolo should come straight back in after he was a late withdrawal from the 60-point belting of North Melbourne with a corked leg. The other spot could fall to one of at least six players. If the Hawks want to reinforce defence, with Hodge expected to be suspended, then Angus Litherland or yet-to-debut Kurt Heatherley are chances. If midfield depth is required, young guns Jed Anderson and Alex Woodward have been in top VFL form, while two Jonathans – Simpkin and O'Rourke – are also waiting in the wings. – Travis King 

Demons coach Paul Roos was savage on his players after their second-half fade out against Fremantle on Sunday, so expect a few changes for Saturday night's clash with the Sydney Swans. Chris Dawes is likely to return after overcoming a calf complaint, while Neville Jetta (concussion) will be tested during the week but is no certainty. Aidan Riley has been performing consistently for Casey in the VFL, underlined by a best afield display with 22 disposals against Essendon on Sunday, and should come into contention. Max Gawn is also working back into form and was rewarded with three goals. Jack Fitzpatrick has been excellent in a new role across centre-half back in recent weeks and he put his hand up to be picked with 24 touches. Matt Jones (27 disposals) and Rohan Bail (23) were the other major ball winners. Defender Christian Salem will be assessed after sustaining a "delayed concussion" against the Dockers. – Ben Guthrie

The Roos are confident forward Jarrad Waite (hamstring) will be available this round after he was a late withdrawal before last Saturday night's loss to Hawthorn. Even if Waite is not fit to take on Richmond on Saturday, his replacement against Hawthorn, Aaron Black, could struggle to hold his spot. Black had just six possessions against the Hawks, just hours after fellow forward Majak Daw put his hand up for a senior recall with an outstanding performance for Werribee in the VFL. Daw had 17 disposals, eight marks and three goals in Werribee's win over Port Melbourne last Saturday, while key defender Lachlan Hansen got through his second VFL game in a row unscathed and could be ready to return to North's team for his first game since round 23 last year. Luke McDonald (leg) and Daniel Wells (Achilles tendon) will have to train fully this week to prove they're fit to return. Trent Dumont was a non-playing emergency last weekend but could be considered after his impressive debut against Geelong in round four. - Nick Bowen

After a sorry day against Hawthorn, North will hope Jarrad Waite is fit to face the Tigers. Picture: AFL Media

Struggling with a foot injury, Jared Polec was subbed into the game late against Adelaide and should be fit to take on West Coast on Sunday. Small defender Jarman Impey has recovered from a hamstring injury and is available for selection, but will likely return via the SANFL. Paul Stewart's form in the SANFL continues to offer coach Ken Hinkley food for thought – he gathered 29 possessions at the weekend. Sam Colquhoun (25 disposals, 12 marks) is building, while Brendon Ah Chee (22 possessions, five tackles), Sam Gray (21 possessions, seven clearances) and Jake Neade (21 possessions, six tackles, seven inside 50s) all performed. - Harry Thring

Vice-captain Brett Deledio trained with the main group on Tuesday and showed no sign of the calf injury that has sidelined him since round one. The Tigers are hopeful he can make a much-needed return if he gets through the rest of the week. Ben Griffiths could also return from a calf injury, placing Ty Vickery's spot in jeopardy after he kicked one goal against Geelong. Reece Conca made a strong return from a hamstring injury in the VFL and could be called on this week after he was among the reserves' best players with 19 possessions and six clearances. Matt Dea (20 possessions), Matt McDonough (seven clearances), Shaun Hampson (54 hit-outs) and Matt Thomas (30 possessions and 11 clearances) were others to impress. – Nathan Schmook

Nick Riewoldt (calf) and Leigh Montagna (knee) are considered certain starters unless something goes wrong this week, which will give the Saints a needed injection of experience in their forward line and midfield. With Seb Ross, Farren Ray and Sam Gilbert – who could play in the VFL development league after a minor groin strain kept him out on the weekend – still a few weeks away from consideration, the two veterans headline the list of possible ins. Spencer White kicked three goals in the VFL but it's hard to see him being considered with Riewoldt coming back while Jason Holmes stood up as the No.1 ruckman without Tom Hickey for Sandringham. However, he still needs to be promoted to play - and talls in the Saints' line-up aren't really a problem at the moment. - Jennifer Phelan

Young star Isaac Heeney and forward turned defender Sam Reid will push for selection this week if they make it through training. Heeney (ankle) and Reid (calf) missed Saturday's loss to the Western Bulldogs. Midfielder Brandon Jack was again a driving force for the Swans reserves, with defender Harry Marsh a standout for the second week running. Senior regular Ben McGlynn was solid after being dropped last week. – Adam Curley 

Josh Kennedy is the major worry for West Coast. Should he be unavailable due to his elbow injury, the Eagles need to consider their options. Scott Lycett could earn a recall after 21 touches, 32 hit-outs and a goal in the WAFL, but that would mean four players over 197cm  would play. The Eagles could pick youngster Tom Barrass to play in defence and swing Jeremy McGovern forward but that would be highly unlikely against Port Adelaide. Matt Rosa (back) and Jackson Nelson (rested) could return after both missed last week. Brant Colledge had 27 disposals in the WAFL to continue his great form and has the potential to play forward. Mark Hutchings had 20 touches and kicked a goal for East Perth to also put his hand up. – Alex Malcolm 

Concerns for Josh Kennedy after he hurt his elbow in this incident. #AFLEaglesGiants http://t.co/kOkg9wGboi

— AFL (@AFL) May 2, 2015

The Dogs will have to make at least one change for the clash against St Kilda, with midfielder Lin Jong picking up a hand injury in the stirring win over the Swans. Lachy Hunter (28 possessions and two goals), former Swan Shane Biggs (30 disposals) and inside midfielder Josh Prudden loom as inclusions after strong VFL form. Draftee Bailey Dale is close to a much-deserved debut, with the Edithvale-Aspendale product picking up 28 classy touches and kicking two goals in Footscray's loss to Collingwood. And Luke Beveridge has indicated Will Minson could be ready for a recall after Ayce Cordy was monstered in the ruck for the second week running. - Ryan Davidson