Brownlow medallist Simon Black is racing the clock to be fit for Saturday's must-win match against Geelong at Simonds Stadium. Black missed last week's win over the Western Bulldogs through suspension, but is battling a groin injury ahead of the final round of the season. Daniel Merrett's fractured ankle ensures Mark Harvey will need to make at least one change, with Jordan Lisle the obvious replacement to come in as the Lions spearhead. - Michael Whiting

The Blues are expected to be boosted by three key inclusions for their clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday. Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (calf) and club champion fancy Andrew Walker (gastro) were late withdrawals for the clash with Essendon, while leading goalkicker Jeff Garlett (glute) is also expected to return after proving his fitness in the VFL. Others who could be promoted from the VFL include the versatile Jeremy Laidler, midfielders Dave Ellard, Kane Lucas, Rhys O’Keeffe and Jaryd Cachia. - Ben Collins

Two key Pies face fitness tests ahead of Sunday's MCG clash with North Melbourne. Luke Ball was substituted out of last week's win over West Coast because of calf tightness and while scans over the weekend were clear, he was still experiencing some discomfort on Monday. Fellow midfielder Dayne Beams was a late withdrawal from the Eagle game because of back soreness, will need to train later this week to convince the club of his fitness. However given the Pies know their finals fate – a home elimination final in week one – the safest bet might be to give them both a spell. Ruckman Darren Jolly got through the VFL at the weekend and the Pies will give some consideration to selecting him to play against the Kangaroos. Coach Nathan Buckley will be keen to see how the Jolly-Brodie Grundy combination works. It might mean a week on the sidelines for Quinten Lynch. - Ashley Browne

Essendon could regain Jason Winderlich, Scott Gumbleton and Travis Colyer from soft-tissue injuries for Saturday night's clash with Richmond. But Dyson Heppell (foot) is unlikely to return, while small forward Nick Kommer has been ruled out after breaking his thumb in the Bombers' win over the Blues. Dustin Fletcher is also out after straining his hamstring at training last week. Jason Ashby and Will Hams played well in the VFL, as did Nick O'Brien. - Callum Twomey

There are a number of senior players in the mix this week that will cause Ross Lyon headaches at selection. There is a possibility that Aaron Sandilands, Luke McPharlin, Clancee Pearce and Garrick Ibbotson could all be available to play against St Kilda. Ross Lyon said the incumbents would be hard to dislodge. Sandilands would be the most certain inclusion of the four. McPharlin has been flagged as a 50-50 chance. Ibbotson and Pearce have been unknowns for the past few weeks. Nick Suban has a tight hamstring from the Port Adelaide but scans cleared him of any damage and hecould easily play this week. - Alex Malcolm

GEELONG
Chris Scott has said Tom Hawkins will get “solid game time” against the Lions on Saturday and his back problem, contrary to popular belief, is improving every week. Paul Chapman pulled up well from his return from a lengthy hamstring injury and will play again this week. Jordan Murdoch (32 disposals, three goals) and Trent West (62 hit-outs) were dominant in the Cats’ record-breaking 201-point win in the VFL, although another dominant performance by the senior side against the Swans has made spots in the senior side almost impossible to crack. West could replace a sore Nathan Vardy should Scott decide to give him a rest. - David Schout

The Suns are starting to scrape the barrel of their playing reserves with another three injuries and one suspension from the loss against St Kilda on Sunday. Greg Broughton (Achilles), Andrew Boston (chest) and Daniel Gorringe (groin) are all likely to miss Sunday's season finale against Greater Western Sydney, while Steven May's one-match suspension further depletes the stocks. Rugged defender Seb Tape should return after missing last week through concussion, as should midfielder David Swallow who is recovering from a minor knee complaint. Mav Weller, Jack Hutchins and Josh Hall are all chances to play. - Michael Whiting

As coach Kevin Sheedy prepares for his final match at the helm of an AFL club, he has just about fulfilled his plans with his young list. Kristian Jaksch made his debut against Richmond last week, leaving fellow 2012 draft pick James Stewart as the final player he would like to give a taste of senior football before 2013 draws to a close. There will also be some other Giants hoping for one last game at the top level this year after the reserves had a solid win in their first NEAFL final on the weekend. Gerald Ugle, Sam Schulz and Anthony Miles all performed well in the 42-point win over Eastlake. - James Dampney

Leigh Adams was a late withdrawal before the clash with the Hawks and is available to return against Collingwood on Sunday. Robbie Tarrant, who broke his nose before being subbed out in the third quarter against the Hawks, is also free to play. Despite being all but ruled out for the season, the Roos have said key defender Scott Thompson is a chance to return should they make the finals. Thompson suffered lung bruising in the round 20 loss to Adelaide but director of medical services Steve Saunders confirmed North will give him every chance to play an elimination final should it be elevated into the top eight. - David Schout 

Dom Cassisi could make his return from hamstring tightness this weekend as the Power aim to enter their finals campaign on a high. He's one of several players who will be assessed this week, including Cameron Hitchcock (hamstring) and John Butcher (hip). Paul Stewart (wrist) and Jack Hombsch (cheekbone) are also a chance, having recovered sooner than expected form their injuries. Ben Newton continued his solid SANFL form with 21 possessions and two goals, while Lewis Stevenson (28 disposals, one goal), Darren Pfeiffer (20, three goals) and Tom Clurey (21 possessions, 11 marks) were also impressive. - Harry Thring