Coach Neil Craig persisted with the same 22 following the round seven loss to the Western Bulldogs, but might have lost patience after Saturday night’s disappointing second half against the Brisbane Lions. All-Australian centre half-back Nathan Bock (hamstring) is a chance to play and veteran Rob Shirley, who picked up 18 possessions and seven tackles in the SANFL, could return for his traditional role on Carlton skipper Chris Judd. Rookie-listed onballer Chris Schmidt also continues to impress with West Adelaide.
Brisbane Lions
The Lions emerged from their third straight win with some nasty injuries threatening their defence. Joel Patfull (broken jaw) will miss up to a month while Daniel Merrett (ankle) and a potential backline option in Matt Tyler (achilles) will undergo tests. Troy Selwood is a likely return (concussion), while Jed Adcock is reportedly fit after leaving the field with a sore leg. Jason Roe was strong in defence for the reserves, while Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff, James Hawksley and Rhan Hooper also impressed.
Carlton
Shaun Grigg (ankle) and Simon Wiggins, a late withdrawal from Sunday's game with back tightness, will face fitness tests, but Chris Johnson (thigh) will have to wait another week before retuning. The Northern Bullants had a bye on the weekend but were buoyed by the performances of Ryan Houlihan, Brad Fisher, Joe Anderson and Jeff Garlett the week before. Cameron Cloke was dropped for the Collingwood game and could be recalled.
Collingwood
Up to five senior players could return for the Pies this week. Josh Fraser (knee), Paul Medhurst (ankle), Alan Didak (hamstring), Anthony Rocca (knee) and Dale Thomas (knee) all face fitness tests ahead of the trip to Perth. If any of those players are fit one would think they are certain recalls. At VFL level, Brad Dick booted four goals and his pace might be considered - especially given the wide, open expanses of Subiaco - while Chris Dawes was again prominent.
Essendon
The Bombers have a host of players set to appear for Bendigo this week after overcoming injuries, and also have a few to choose from following encouraging performances last weekend. Defender Michael Hurley and forward Leroy Jetta were the side's best, while Scott Lucas kicked three goals and Brent Prismall increased his game time. Mark McVeigh and Hayden Skipworth could be available this week but it is unsure if they'll come straight in.
Fremantle
Coach Mark Harvey said if Des Headland didn't return for Fremantle last week he would this week, so look for the midfielder to put a persistent calf injury behind him against North Melbourne on Saturday. Headland returned to football with two goals for WAFL side Subiaco at the weekend and, with Harvey forecasting a rest for his younger players, should come into the side for one of Stephen Hill, Nic Suban, Matt de Boer or Clayton Hinkley.
Geelong
Cameron Mooney has taken a one week suspension, Darren Milburn has an ankle injury and Shannon Byrnes a tight hamstring, so there'll be at least three changes at the Cats. Gary Ablett is slated to return, Paul Chapman is listed as 'test' but should be back, leaving one spot which is likely to be filled by David Johnson given he matches up well against the Bulldogs’ small forwards.
Hawthorn
Xavier Ellis emerged unscathed from Box Hill’s match against the Casey Scorpions and will be pushing for senior selection. Brent Renouf starred in the ruck for the VFL side, while rookie list player Luke Breust booted three goals. Clinton Young is also a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Melbourne
Brad Green has recovered from a broken jaw and is on target to return. Jared Rivers (ankle) and James Frawley (hip flexor) face fitness tests after missing last round. Daniel Bell was best for Casey last round and Tom McNamara continues to press for an AFL debut. Although an emergency last round, ruckman Mark Jamar is more likely to spend another week in the VFL, after his long layoff with a foot stress fracture.
North Melbourne
Daniel Wells (hip), Brady Rawlings (calf) and Jack Ziebell (thigh) should return, however, pressure continues to come from the VFL. North Ballarat midfielder Cruize Garlett may become the Roos’ fifth debutant this season while forward Michael Wundke is another hoping to catch the eye of selectors. Corey Jones was important again but the form of Aaron Edwards and Ben Warren keeps him on the outer. Defender Levi Greenwood did his chances no harm with a high-possession game for Werribee.
Port Adelaide
Josh Carr has recovered from a hip complaint and could be a valuable inclusion against the hard-bodied Swans on Sunday. However, it remains to be seen whether the Power will tinker with their winning formula of last week. Defender Steve Salopek (shoulder) will need to prove his fitness at training on Wednesday, while big men Toby Thurstans and Matthew Westhoff continue to put forward their cases for an AFL call-up.
Richmond
Ben Cousins is out with a broken hand, so another midfielder is required. Adam Thomson is a good chance, given his good form for Coburg in the VFL. Coming off a good showing against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, not too many other changes are predicted.
St Kilda
Matt Maguire booted five goals for the second consecutive week for St Kilda’s VFL team Sandringham and the Saints may look to using him as a third tall forward coming up against an undermanned Brisbane Lions defence. Robert Eddy and Raphael Clarke have both been listed as emergencies in recent weeks and continued their good form, earning a mention in the best for the Zebras.
Sydney Swans
Nick Malceski looks set for an immediate recall after 34 possessions and four goals for the Swans’ reserves against Ainslie last weekend. Young ruckman Daniel Currie also impressed at centre half-forward in the 29-point loss, as did midfielders Ryan Brabazon, Nick Smith and Matthew Laidlaw. Malceski could come in for key defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) with tall utility Heath Grundy likely to be swung into defence.
West Coast
Daniel Kerr is a certain inclusion if he can prove he's over the groin injury that sidelined him in round eight while Adam Hunter will be considered to play his 150th game after missing last week to have his troublesome shoulder further treated. In the WAFL, Ash Hansen booted four goals and was the dominant forward for Swan Districts while Tyson Stenglein (26 possessions) and Chad Fletcher (35) controlled the midfield for Subiaco and will be considered this week.
Western Bulldogs
The Dogs will regain Shaun Higgins after missing two weeks with a groin strain, and Ryan Hargrave is rated a "reasonable chance" by Rodney Eade to return from a quad injury. Andrejs Everitt (foot) is likely to miss, Dylan Addison (knee) will be tested later in the week and Robert Murphy (hamstring) is out for two. Stephen Tiller was Williamstown's best on the weekend, while Guy O'Keefe, Tim Callan and Cameron Wight put in solid performances.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
