Forward Kurt Tippett (shoulder) is in doubt for the game against the Western Bulldogs, but Patrick Dangerfield (thumb) should play. First-year midfielder Brodie Smith (hip) is expected to return after a fortnight out. Ricky Henderson (two goals) and Brad Moran (three goals) responded to their axings with strong performances in the SANFL over the weekend and could be recalled to boost the depleted forward line, while Richard Tambling displayed solid form for Sturt. Mature-age rookie Ian Callinan (bicep) got through his comeback game with Central District unscathed, but is likely to spend at least another week in the local league.
- Katrina Gill
BRISBANE LIONS
With Jed Adcock undergoing surgery on his finger, Josh Drummond looms as a timely replacement. Drummond played in the reserves last week and coach Michael Voss will be tempted to bring him back against Richmond at the Gabba on Saturday night. If the Lions are looking for some speed to match the Tigers, Rohan Bewick is a chance, as is Xavier Clarke, who has also spent time in reserves after having LARS surgery on his knee in the off-season.
- Michael Whiting
CARLTON
Blues coach Brett Ratten continues to be spoiled for choice at the selection table after Matthew Kreuzer and Paul Bower both returned from injury to take part in the big win against the Brisbane Lions on Sunday. The Bullants were knocked out of the Foxtel Cup by Claremont at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, but Ryan Houlihan pushed his case for a call-up for his first AFL game of the season when Carlton takes on the Sydney Swans on Sunday. Robbie Warnock also had 24 hitouts to his name in front of the selectors. Jarrad Waite (hamstring) and Setanta O'hAilpin (hand) both missed the clash against the Lions, but should be available for selection this week.
- Jason Phelan
ESSENDON
James Hird has signalled there will be changes this week following his team's third consecutive loss, and he will have many options to consider. Midfielders Brent Stanton (shoulder) and Sam Lonergan (illness) will return, as will Heath Hocking from his three-week suspension. Kyle Reimers and Brent Prismall should be in contention after impressive VFL performances for the Bendigo Bombers, and Tom Bellchambers could also come back in the team after also playing well in the VFL.
- Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
Midfielder Michael Barlow will almost certainly make his anticipated AFL return from a broken leg after a best on ground, 33-possession game for WAFL side Peel Thunder. He will immediately step in for injured star David Mundy, but Fremantle will also need to replace goalneak Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring). Young forward Josh Mellington, who would make his debut, is the most likely option, with Rhys Palmer (34 possessions for East Fremantle) also available.
- Nathan Schmook
GEELONG
Youngster Allen Christensen shapes as the likely replacement for Joel Selwood, who has been suspended for four matches. Christensen was best-on-ground for the Cats' VFL team in its match against Werribee on the weekend. Other Geelong players in the running to take on St Kilda at the MCG on Saturday night include veteran David Wojcinski, who was rested last weekend, along with emerging midfielders Steven Motlop, Josh Cowan and Cameron Guthrie.
- Adam McNicol
GOLD COAST
Some good performances in the reserves last weekend will give Guy McKenna plenty to think about ahead of Saturday's match against Hawthorn at Launceston. Karmichael Hunt did everything asked of him in his onball role, while defenders Jack Hutchins and Joel Wilkinson and versatile key position player Charlie Dixon are in the frame for selection after the Suns struggled down back last week against North Melbourne.
- Michael Whiting
HAWTHORN
Injuries to big men Jarryd Roughead and Brent Renouf mean Jordan Lisle and David Hale are both in line for a recall along with Max Bailey, who was a late withdrawal from Saturday night's Geelong clash with a corked quad but should be fine to face Gold Coast. Lisle responded to his omission from the senior team by kicking three goals for Box Hill on the weekend. Kyle Cheney, also dropped for the Geelong game, was among the best in the VFL and might be considered, particularly if fellow defender Brent Guerra can't get over his boxed ear. Clinton Young (hamstring) goes out too, with fellow line-breaker Isaac Smith the obvious replacement.
- Mark Macgugan
MELBOURNE
Lynden Dunn, Lucas Cook and Addam Maric all pushed their cases with strong showings up forward for VFL team Casey last weekend. Dunn booted five goals while Maric and Cook were also solid. Ricky Petterd was the Scorpions' best and Matthew Warnock was dependable down back. All mentioned are likely to be considered for this week's clash with Fremantle. Mark Jamar is expected to be a while away from returning from his knee injury.
- Luke Holmesby
NORTH MELBOURNE
If Lachie Hansen fails to prove he's recovered from concussion, Ben Warren looms as a likely replacement after the forward starred for Werribee last Sunday with six goals. Of North's other Werribee-listed players, Sam Wright (27 possessions and three goals) did enough in his first game back from a shoulder injury to earn a senior recall, while key defender Robbie Tarrant (21 possessions) keeps putting his hand up. Meanwhile, midfielder Cruize Garlett (31 possessions) and half-back Cameron Richardson (27) continued their outstanding form for North Ballarat.
- Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
Skipper Dom Cassisi (tibial fracture) will be recalled after making a successful return in the SANFL on Sunday. David Rodan (knee) also lined up in the local league over the Power's 'bye' weekend, playing a half in the Norwood reserves but might need more match fitness before earning a recall. Mitch Banner (33 disposals and two goals), Brett Ebert (three goals) and Jason Davenport (21 possessions and two goals) will be considered after strong performances in the SANFL. Utility Nick Salter also made his return from a foot injury with Woodville-West Torrens on Sunday.
- Katrina Gill
RICHMOND
Luke McGuane (general soreness) was a late withdrawal from the team defeated by the Sydney Swans, but should be right to come back in for the away clash against the Brisbane Lions. The Tigers will need to replace David Astbury who suffered a knee dislocation against the Swans. David Gourdis, Shane Tuck and Jayden Post were among Coburg's best players in a team beaten by Port Melbourne by 104 points.
- Jason Phelan
ST KILDA
Leigh Montagna should be right to return from the knee injury that kept him out of last week's win over the Bulldogs. Michael Gardiner is edging closer to returning after he joined the main training group for the first time last week. After his extended absence he is likely to play a few games at Sandringham first. Justin Koschitzke rucked all day for the Zebras in their loss to Bendigo and is a strong chance to return to a Saints side that lacked height last week. Will Johnson will also be considered after booting five goals.
- Luke Holmesby
SYDNEY SWANS
It's hard to imagine many changes to the Swans' line-up but it is expected ruckman Shane Mumford is ready to return after missing with a knee injury. However, fellow tall Mark Seaby’s best-on-ground performance against Richmond will no doubt give the club a selection headache, albeit a good one to have. Paul Bevan is also in line for a return to senior action after enjoying a solid month in the reserves and a particularly strong performance on the weekend. Jesse White booted six in the twos and Jarred Moore again pressed his case with an impressive three-goal haul.
- Cameron Noakes
WEST COAST
Key defender Eric Mackenzie is available to bolster the Eagles' backline after making a solid return from a foot injury in the Foxtel Cup. West Coast is unlikely to make many changes after an impressive 39-point win over Adelaide, but tough onballer Koby Stevens (26 possessions and 10 tackles) heads a list of form WAFL players waiting for an opportunity. The second-year midfielder was best afield for East Fremantle at the weekend, with Andrew Gaff (27 possessions) and Ashton Hams (26) also pushing their claims.
- Nathan Schmook
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Adam Cooney (knee), Brian Lake (groin) and Barry Hall (ankle) face fitness tests while Brodie Moles (shoulder) could also be available. James Mulligan is likely to miss after straining a calf in the third quarter of Friday night while Ryan Hargrave's foot complaint has him missing three weeks, according to the club's injury list. Mitch Wallis, Sam Reid, Jordan Roughead and Lindsay Gilbee were among the best players for Williamstown while Andrew Hooper kicked three goals and Jarrad Grant two, but was plagued by inaccuracy and shanked five behinds as well.
- Jen Witham
The views in this story are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL
