The Crows will need to cover the loss of Simon Goodwin (knee) this week leaving the door open for half-back Brent Reilly to return. Second-year duo Tony Armstrong and Jared Petrenko had another solid weekend in the SANFL and could also be considered. Nick Gill was impressive for North Adelaide, but will struggle to break into the forward line that booted 21 goals against Essendon.
Brisbane Lions
Reliable defender Josh Drummond will miss Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn in Launceston after straining his calf in the Lions’ loss to Carlton. With Daniel Merrett (ankle) and Joel Patfull (jaw) both likely to be sidelined until after the split round bye, who will fill the void to take on Hawks’ spearheads Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead? Jason Roe is an experienced option, while impressive forward debutant Aaron Cornelius could be recalled to free up Daniel Bradshaw for a defensive role.
Carlton
The Carlton side will be tough to break into this week. Cameron Cloke kicked five goals for the Northern Bullants on the weekend and Richard Hadley had 28 disposals, while Mitch Robinson started well with an electrifying first quarter. Simon Wiggins (hamstring) is still a week away from making his return. Chris Johnson might be considered this week and will be in the mix along with Joe Anderson and Mark Austin, if Carlton needs another defender.
Hawthorn
Rick Ladson and Stephen Gilham both made impressive returns for Box Hill in the VFL and will come under consideration for a senior recall this week. Campbell Brown and Tom Murphy are likely to return after both were late withdrawals from last week’s win over the Sydney Swans. Brendan Whitecross is another possible inclusion after missing last week with a hamstring injury.
North Melbourne
Lachlan Hansen has a strong case for a recall, completing a second VFL game in his return from a serious hamstring injury. Rookie Cruize Garlett continues to push for a debut and could be elevated, while a cheekbone injury to Ben Warren should pave the way for Corey Jones' first senior game since round three. However, Dean Laidley may opt for Josh Smith or ruckman Todd Goldstein when assessing how he can beat Adelaide.
Port Adelaide
Port Adelaide’s forward line should be bolstered by the returns of Daniel Motlop and Robbie Gray. Hamish Hartlett (hamstring) is unlikely to emerge until after the break and midfielder Travis Boak (knee) joined the casualty list on Saturday night. Draftee Matthew Broadbent, who was close to making his AFL debut against Fremantle, played another solid game in the SANFL, as did his Woodville-West Torrens teammate Mitch Banner. Nathan Krakouer will also be around the mark after missing out last week.
Richmond
Young goalsneak Robbie Nahas should return after missing last weekend with a corked quad, but the real interest surrounds last year’s No.8 draft pick, Tyrone Vickery. The 18-year-old has been in consistently good form for Coburg and would be expected to play as a tall forward rather than in the ruck where he is expected to eventually end up. The injured Nathan Brown and Matt White are both expected to remain on the sidelines.
St Kilda
Michael Gardiner is the logical replacement for the suspended Steven King after serving his own one-game sentence. St Kilda’s VFL team Sandringham had a bye last weekend, but Matt Maguire, Luke Miles and David Armitage will once again push for selection.
West Coast
Daniel Kerr, who has served a one-week ban, and a fit David Wirrpanda select themselves. Andrew Embley (ankle) is the player most likely to make way at this stage. Nick Naitanui (15 possessions, 21 hit-outs and four goals) played his best game for the season with WAFL side Swan Districts and has been declared ready for AFL footy by the coach. Naitanui leads other impressive WAFL performers Mark Seaby and Chad Fletcher in the race for inclusion this week.
Western Bulldogs
Robert Murphy will play this week, but whether it's for the Dogs in Darwin or Williamstown at Burbank Oval is yet to be determined. Scott Welsh is available after returning from suspension while Tom Williams could play after missing the past two weeks with a foot problem. Sam Reid and Andrejs Everitt played well in the VFL on the weekend.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
