Adelaide
Tyson Edwards will return from a hamstring strain, but the Crows will lose Brodie Martin (knee) and will have to wait and see if Andy Otten (corked thigh) has recovered. If he fails to get up there are no shortage of players ready to take his place. Forward Taylor Walker booted 7.4 for Norwood on the weekend, while Phil Davis, Tony Armstrong and Rory Sloane continued to push their cases for AFL selection. Rob Shirley could also return.

Brisbane Lions
With Tim Notting suspended, Aaron Cornelius could get a senior guernsey after bagging seven goals for the Lions reserves. James Hawksley and Joel Tippett were on the selection cusp last week, while Troy Selwood overcame a shoulder injury to play for the seconds. Jason Roe is a defensive option if Jed Adcock’s replacement, Tom Collier, fails his fitness test (knee). James Polkinghorne and Jack Redden should hold their spots in the absence of Daniel Bradshaw (hamstring). Goalsneak Rhan Hooper could also be ready.

Carlton
Setanta O'hAilpin will be tested again after missing three weeks with soreness, but the Blues have a host of players to choose from after a massive win by the Northern Bullants. Cameron Cloke kicked six goals, Simon Wiggins and Jeff Garlett three apiece, and Nick Stevens (32 touches) and Adam Bentick were among the side's best. Andrew Walker had 38 possessions in his second hit-out since a shoulder operation, while Robbie Warnock got through his first game for the year.

Collingwood
Mick Malthouse is unlikely to make many changes to the team that belted Carlton by 54 points. But he does have senior players waiting in the wings. Goalsneak Brad Dick has had a week off and might be able to add spark, while defender Tyson Goldsack – out with the flu against Hawthorn – has now had a fortnight off football and will be eager for a return. Key defender Nathan Brown, if over his knee complaint, could also be considered along with midfielder Sharrod Wellingham.

Essendon
The Bombers will lose Matthew Lloyd for at least a week. Mark McVeigh (corked thigh), Jobe Watson (corked thigh), Andrew Lovett (knee) and Alwyn Davey (soreness) will be tested later in the week. Jay Neagle and Darcy Daniher will come into contention to replace Lloyd in a key forward post, while Hayden Skipworth got through a second game in the VFL, Sam Lonergan, Bachar Houli and Tyson Slattery played well, and Tom Bellchambers was solid in the ruck.

Fremantle
Luke McPharlin (calf) was a late withdrawal against West Coast and will face a fitness test this week. Byron Schammer (calf) and Des Headland (hamstring) are also possible inclusions if they can prove their fitness. With Tim Ruffles suffering a season-ending knee injury, Michael Walters will find himself in the selection mix, while Chris Mayne could make the leap from WAFL reserves to the AFL after two straight stand-out performances as he works his way back from stress fractures in his foot.

Geelong
Steve Johnson is back for the clash with the Crows and skipper Tom Harley is also a chance to return, either at AFL or VFL level, while star ruckman Brad Ottens could make his long-awaited return through the VFL. Tom Gillies, an emergency last week, is also a chance to play. Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor will both miss at least this week with groin injuries, while ruckman Mark Blake will play in the VFL.

Hawthorn
Cameron Stokes, Travis Tuck and Brendan Whitecross were once again very impressive in the VFL. The trio has consistently been among the best for Box Hill and will be strongly considered for this week's clash with Port Adelaide. Garry Moss could also be back after missing a couple of months with a knee injury.

Melbourne
Injuries to Liam Jurrah (ankle) and Kyle Cheney (calf) in Canberra last Sunday could lead to changes. Colin Sylvia should slot straight back into the side after serving a three-match suspension. Jack Grimes (back), Brock McLean (knee) and James Frawley (back) didn't play last round and will face fitness tests. Just three senior-listed players featured in the Casey ones last weekend – Russell Robertson, Jake Spencer and Simon Buckley. Rohan Bail, an emergency against the Swans, could also push up to make his AFL debut.

North Melbourne
Who will play in Adam Simpson's final game? Defender Nathan Grima is a strong case to return after match-ups forced him from last week’s line-up, while Daniel Pratt could have done enough to appease the coaches. Pressure comes from utility Ed Lower (28 possessions) for his first AFL game since round eight and experienced midfielder Daniel Harris had 20 possessions and three goals. Aaron Edwards was quiet in the VFL but remains a chance purely because of the senior side’s forward struggles.

Port Adelaide
The Power says sore players such as Chad Cornes and Dean Brogan will be fit to take on Hawthorn, but all eyes will be on Wednesday’s main training session. The club is keen to get Hamish Hartlett back after a hamstring strain and Nick Salter, who was dropped for the Showdown, responded with seven goals in the SANFL. Peter Burgoyne picked up 20 possessions for the Port Adelaide Magpies, but could be looking at another week in the local league.

Richmond
Last weekend saw Shane Tuck, Mark Coughlan and Alex Rance all looking good for Coburg on a shocking day for footy, played in a howling gale, but it could be hard for any of them to force their way back into a winning side. The biggest news is that Matthew Richardson may make his return, although he is most likely to pull on the boots for Coburg this week.

St Kilda
Justin Koschitzke's suspension has ended but questions remain about his injured hand. He is a chance to return this week, as is ruckman Michael Gardiner who had a calf injury. Luke Ball impressed with 30 touches in the VFL but he may still have to bide his time before he earns a senior recall. Youngster Tom Lynch continues to impress for Sandringham but it is unlikely the Saints will blood a new player at this stage of the year.

Sydney Swans
Should Paul Roos want to make changes he does have a few options, despite the Swans’ reserves having a week off last weekend. Amon Buchanan and Nick Malceski both need to pass fitness tests to be considered, however Leo Barry could be a chance to play his first match of the season when the Swans host St Kilda. Jared Crouch and Paul Bevan would also offer the coach experience against the ladder leaders, while Patrick Veszpremi’s explosiveness may add firepower in attack.

West Coast
After booting 8.18 against Fremantle, goalkicking needs to be addressed and rookie Callum Wilson, who booted 5.6 at the weekend, may be the answer. Wilson is a chance to be elevated as is Ben McKinley, who managed five goals for East Perth. Eric Mackenzie was a victim of match-ups against Fremantle, but could be recalled this week. Adam Hunter (shoulder), Brent Staker (hand) and Jamie McNamara (thigh) are all chances to return from injury, but they’re likely to return via the WAFL.

Western Bulldogs
The Dogs will lose Shaun Higgins (hamstring – three weeks) and Robert Murphy (hamstring – one week), while Daniel Giansiracusa (knee – three weeks) remains out of commission. They'll have to dip into Williamstown's side, which lost to Sandringham on Sunday. Wayde Skipper and Easton Wood were among the side's best while Andrejs Everitt battled manfully in defence. Tim Callan, Brennan Stack and Jarrad Grant continue to await a senior call-up.

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.