Despite missing last weekend, Scott Thompson (hamstring) should return for Saturday's match against West Coast. Patrick Dangerfield, although sore, didn't require scans on his knee and is also tipped to line up. Charlie Cameron will return to SANFL football this weekend after time off with a groin injury, and Sam Kerridge will hope to do the same having overcome his foot injury. Jason Porplyzia was the club's best in the SANFL (21 disposals, three goals), while Matt Crouch (28 disposals) again pushed for senior selection. Cam Ellis-Yolmen (27 possessions, eight clearances, one goal), James Battersby (27 possessions) and Ben Rutten (18 touches, eight marks) also stood up. - Harry Thring
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BRISBANE LIONS
For one of the few times this season, there's no real need for Justin Leppitsch to change his team when the Lions travel to play Melbourne on Sunday. The Lions were superb in defeating Gold Coast last weekend and had a rare clean bill of health out of the match. Marco Paparone and Nick Robertson might force their way back in if Leppitsch is looking to give other younger players a rest. Matthew Leuenberger will need another game in the reserves before he pushes for senior selection. - Michael Whiting
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies are still searching for answers after their fifth loss from six games. Luke Ball (back) and Alan Toovey (back) may be in contention to return after missing last week, while Dane Swan remains a month away. Brodie Grundy found some form in the VFL with 22 disposals and two goals and could be called on to reduce the strain on young big man Jarrod Witts. Alex Fasolo kicked 1.4 but looked dangerous, while Sam Dwyer had 25 disposals in just a half of football. Josh Thomas was also prolific with 32 touches. - Ben Guthrie
Alan Toovey and Alex Fasolo may boost the Magpies for their huge clash against Port. Picture: AFL Media
Geelong should be able to call on exciting midfielder Allen Christensen against North. Picture: AFL Media
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
The Giants will make at least two changes from the side that went down narrowly to Geelong last round, with Tim Mohr (knee) and Jeremy Cameron (shoulder) ruled out for the rest of the season. A call on Heath Shaw's (concussion) availability will be made later in the week, while Sam Frost could fill in for Mohr down back. Jed Lamb booted four goals in the NEAFL when the club's reserves team played a fortnight ago and may be recalled to boost the team's firepower with Cameron sidelined. James Stewart was best on ground in the same game and may be brought in for his first match of the season against the Tigers. - Ben Guthrie
HAWTHORN
The Hawks have some interesting selection issues to ponder before facing the Western Bulldogs in Launceston. Brad Sewell (hamstring) is on the verge of returning and it remains to be seen if he can force his way straight back into the senior side. Out-of-favour big man David Hale dominated in the ruck and kicked five goals for Box Hill on Sunday, putting pressure on surprise packet Jonathon Ceglar who was subbed out against the Sydney Swans. Jordan Kelly, Ben Ross and Kyle Cheney also impressed in the VFL, although it will be tough for them to break into Hawthorn's winning side. – Travis King
Alastair Clarkson may call on the services of Brad Sewell this weekend. Picture: AFL Media
Port's push for a top-four slot could be improved if Angus Monfries is passed fit. Picture: AFL Media
SYDNEY SWANS
John Longmire's side is set to be bolstered by the return of running defender Rhyce Shaw, who has missed the past four games with an ankle injury. However, star midfielder Dan Hannebery, who has had an ankle injury of his own, is only rated a small chance to face Essendon on Friday night at the SCG. First-year ruckman Toby Nankervis played an excellent game in the NEAFL with three goals for the Sydney Swans, while veteran Ryan O'Keefe continues to put his hand up for a senior recall. - Callum Twomey
BRISBANE LIONS
For one of the few times this season, there's no real need for Justin Leppitsch to change his team when the Lions travel to play Melbourne on Sunday. The Lions were superb in defeating Gold Coast last weekend and had a rare clean bill of health out of the match. Marco Paparone and Nick Robertson might force their way back in if Leppitsch is looking to give other younger players a rest. Matthew Leuenberger will need another game in the reserves before he pushes for senior selection. - Michael Whiting
CARLTON
Young onballer Patrick Cripps starred in the first half for the Northern Blues in their last VFL game against the Werribee Tigers and looms as an ideal candidate to replace suspended midfielder Mitch Robinson, who will miss the next two games. Blaine Johnson was the Northern Blues’ only multiple goalkicker against the Tigers with two and is a chance to return, as is speedy goalsneak Jeff Garlett. Experienced midfielder Brock McLean, a late withdrawal from last round’s game against North Melbourne with a stomach virus, is available for selection against Fremantle on Thursday night. Talented forward Troy Menzel has been cleared of structural damage to the right knee he injured against the Kangaroos but the Blues will monitor the severity of the bone bruising and are hopeful he will be right to play. But they will be without the versatile Andrejs Everitt, who is expected to miss at least three matches with a posterior cruciate ligament strain in his left knee. - Howard Kotton
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies are still searching for answers after their fifth loss from six games. Luke Ball (back) and Alan Toovey (back) may be in contention to return after missing last week, while Dane Swan remains a month away. Brodie Grundy found some form in the VFL with 22 disposals and two goals and could be called on to reduce the strain on young big man Jarrod Witts. Alex Fasolo kicked 1.4 but looked dangerous, while Sam Dwyer had 25 disposals in just a half of football. Josh Thomas was also prolific with 32 touches. - Ben Guthrie
Alan Toovey and Alex Fasolo may boost the Magpies for their huge clash against Port. Picture: AFL Media
ESSENDON
After enjoying a bye last weekend, the Bombers should hit the Sydney Swans on Friday fresh and ready to fight for their top-eight position. It is hard to see too many changes at the selection table, though, with Ben Howlett (Achilles) the only injury concern out of last round's win over the Western Bulldogs. He is expected to be fit to take his place. The club's VFL side also had the bye over the weekend. Elliott Kavanagh and Orazio Fantasia are pushing for senior selection, while Jake Melksham will also be around the mark after being dropped last game. - Callum Twomey
After enjoying a bye last weekend, the Bombers should hit the Sydney Swans on Friday fresh and ready to fight for their top-eight position. It is hard to see too many changes at the selection table, though, with Ben Howlett (Achilles) the only injury concern out of last round's win over the Western Bulldogs. He is expected to be fit to take his place. The club's VFL side also had the bye over the weekend. Elliott Kavanagh and Orazio Fantasia are pushing for senior selection, while Jake Melksham will also be around the mark after being dropped last game. - Callum Twomey
FREMANTLE
Ross Lyon has suggested he will make up to six changes this week. He has already confirmed three - Aaron Sandilands, Stephen Hill and Hayden Ballantyne are all raring to return to face the Blues. Garrick Ibbotson is a chance to come back after missing the past two matches with calf strain. Tom Sheridan had 34 touches in his last match for Peel and Hayden Crozier gathered 25 possessions and kicked two goals in the same game. Lyon has mentioned both as the other possible inclusions. Michael Walters is not quite ready to go this week but he could be in the mix next week. - Alex Malcolm
GEELONG
The Cats are expected to bring back ruckman Mark Blicavs and midfielder Allen Christensen for their clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night. Blicavs missed the narrow win over Greater Western Sydney on the first weekend of round 18 after being rested. Christensen missed the game after coming down with a heavy cold. Jed Bews and Lincoln McCarthy are also pressing hard for a call-up. Bews was best on ground in Geelong's VFL team's most recent match against Sandringham, finishing with 28 disposals and eight marks. McCarthy booted four goals, racked up 23 disposals and took 10 marks. - Adam McNicol
Geelong should be able to call on exciting midfielder Allen Christensen against North. Picture: AFL Media
GOLD COAST
Injuries may spare the axe for a few players when the Suns host St Kilda on Saturday night. Zac Smith (ankle) and Charlie Dixon (quad) will both miss from last weekend's inept loss against the Brisbane Lions, with a number of players in line to return. Trent McKenzie (hamstring) and Michael Rischitelli (quad) are likely recalls, while Tom Murphy has served a one-game suspension and may be called upon. With Smith, Dixon and Tom Nicholls injured, Daniel Gorringe will get a call-up in the ruck after two games at NEAFL level following an Achilles injury, while Timmy Sumner is a chance to slot back into the forward line. Kade Kolodjashnij (hamstring) might be another week away. - Michael Whiting
Injuries may spare the axe for a few players when the Suns host St Kilda on Saturday night. Zac Smith (ankle) and Charlie Dixon (quad) will both miss from last weekend's inept loss against the Brisbane Lions, with a number of players in line to return. Trent McKenzie (hamstring) and Michael Rischitelli (quad) are likely recalls, while Tom Murphy has served a one-game suspension and may be called upon. With Smith, Dixon and Tom Nicholls injured, Daniel Gorringe will get a call-up in the ruck after two games at NEAFL level following an Achilles injury, while Timmy Sumner is a chance to slot back into the forward line. Kade Kolodjashnij (hamstring) might be another week away. - Michael Whiting
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
The Giants will make at least two changes from the side that went down narrowly to Geelong last round, with Tim Mohr (knee) and Jeremy Cameron (shoulder) ruled out for the rest of the season. A call on Heath Shaw's (concussion) availability will be made later in the week, while Sam Frost could fill in for Mohr down back. Jed Lamb booted four goals in the NEAFL when the club's reserves team played a fortnight ago and may be recalled to boost the team's firepower with Cameron sidelined. James Stewart was best on ground in the same game and may be brought in for his first match of the season against the Tigers. - Ben Guthrie
HAWTHORN
The Hawks have some interesting selection issues to ponder before facing the Western Bulldogs in Launceston. Brad Sewell (hamstring) is on the verge of returning and it remains to be seen if he can force his way straight back into the senior side. Out-of-favour big man David Hale dominated in the ruck and kicked five goals for Box Hill on Sunday, putting pressure on surprise packet Jonathon Ceglar who was subbed out against the Sydney Swans. Jordan Kelly, Ben Ross and Kyle Cheney also impressed in the VFL, although it will be tough for them to break into Hawthorn's winning side. – Travis King
Alastair Clarkson may call on the services of Brad Sewell this weekend. Picture: AFL Media
MELBOURNE
Coach Paul Roos is unlikely to make too many changes after the team's gallant effort against Port Adelaide. He was pleased with individuals who played their roles as the Demons almost upset the Power. Showing good form for Casey in the VFL were James Strauss, who is yet to play a senior game this season, Viv Michie and Max Gawn. Daniel Cross is progressing well as he recovers from a fractured leg and could surprise. - Peter Ryan
NORTH MELBOURNE
North coach Brad Scott has largely resisted the temptation to make statements at the selection table this season, but that might change after the Roos' lacklustre round 18 loss to Carlton. The out-of-form players that could struggle to hold their senior spots this round include Aaron Black, Ryan Bastinac and Leigh Adams. Forward Ben Brown (finger) was a late withdrawal against the Blues, but should be available for selection against Geelong. North's VFL affiliates North Ballarat and Werribee had byes last weekend, but Brad McKenzie, Aaron Mullett and Liam Anthony were outstanding in their most recent games, while Trent Dumont and Mason Wood continue to push for their AFL debuts. - Nick Bowen
PORT ADELAIDE
Key duo Angus Monfries and Alipate Carlile will return from hamstring injuries to take on Collingwood this Sunday, in what is a huge boost for the side. Cam O'Shea and Ben Newton would likely make way to fit them in. Jackson Trengove (ankle) is nearing the end of his rehabilitation and should be fit for next week's game against the Sydney Swans. Andrew Moore (33 disposals, three goals) and Kane Mitchell (35 disposals, one goal) were sensational in the SANFL at the weekend, as was Jake Neade (21 touches, three goals), while Tom Clurey took 12 marks in defense. - Harry Thring
Key duo Angus Monfries and Alipate Carlile will return from hamstring injuries to take on Collingwood this Sunday, in what is a huge boost for the side. Cam O'Shea and Ben Newton would likely make way to fit them in. Jackson Trengove (ankle) is nearing the end of his rehabilitation and should be fit for next week's game against the Sydney Swans. Andrew Moore (33 disposals, three goals) and Kane Mitchell (35 disposals, one goal) were sensational in the SANFL at the weekend, as was Jake Neade (21 touches, three goals), while Tom Clurey took 12 marks in defense. - Harry Thring
Port's push for a top-four slot could be improved if Angus Monfries is passed fit. Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND
Midfielder Shaun Grigg made an impressive return from a hamstring injury in the VFL and would be in line to face Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Saturday. With 30 possessions, nine clearances and eight tackles, Grigg made a strong case that he is fit enough to step back in at AFL level after six weeks on the sidelines. Ricky Petterd could also return after a one-week finger injury interrupted his strong run of form. The Tigers will need to replace tall forward Ty Vickery, with Ben Griffiths and Liam McBean two options. Griffiths took 10 marks and kicked one goal in the VFL while McBean, who is yet to debut and was a senior emergency in round 18, booted two. Ben Lennon had 27 possessions and five inside 50s to keep himself in the mix. – Nathan Schmook
Midfielder Shaun Grigg made an impressive return from a hamstring injury in the VFL and would be in line to face Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Saturday. With 30 possessions, nine clearances and eight tackles, Grigg made a strong case that he is fit enough to step back in at AFL level after six weeks on the sidelines. Ricky Petterd could also return after a one-week finger injury interrupted his strong run of form. The Tigers will need to replace tall forward Ty Vickery, with Ben Griffiths and Liam McBean two options. Griffiths took 10 marks and kicked one goal in the VFL while McBean, who is yet to debut and was a senior emergency in round 18, booted two. Ben Lennon had 27 possessions and five inside 50s to keep himself in the mix. – Nathan Schmook
ST KILDA
Sean Dempster should be available after being concussed against Fremantle in the first week of round 18 but Jack Steven looks like missing again with a thigh injury. Beau Maister won't play again after a season-ending shoulder injury sustained in the VFL recently sparked his immediate retirement last week. Sandringham last played on July 20 and was thumped by Geelong by 129 points, with Clint Jones, Seb Ross and Darren Minchington best. - Jennifer Phelan
SYDNEY SWANS
John Longmire's side is set to be bolstered by the return of running defender Rhyce Shaw, who has missed the past four games with an ankle injury. However, star midfielder Dan Hannebery, who has had an ankle injury of his own, is only rated a small chance to face Essendon on Friday night at the SCG. First-year ruckman Toby Nankervis played an excellent game in the NEAFL with three goals for the Sydney Swans, while veteran Ryan O'Keefe continues to put his hand up for a senior recall. - Callum Twomey
After their first loss since round four, the Swans may bring back Rhyce Shaw. Picture: AFL Media
WEST COAST
There are fitness queries over Dean Cox (concussion), Luke Shuey (ankle), and Ash Smith (thigh) ahead of the Eagles' trip to Adelaide to face the Crows on Saturday. Scott Lycett was rested last week and should return given the doubts over Cox, although Callum Sinclair had 23 touches, 35 hit-outs and kicked a goal for East Perth in atrocious conditions at Medibank Stadium on Saturday. Adam Simpson flagged Jamie Bennell as a possible inclusion after another good performance in the WAFL. Brant Colledge might be a bolter this week. He was close to selection before injuring his ankle playing for East Perth and if he proves his fitness this week Simpson might be tempted to throw the youngster straight in. - Alex Malcolm
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The much-maligned Liam Jones has put his hand for a senior recall after a dominant performance in the Bulldogs' VFL win over Essendon last week. The 23-year-old, who was struggled with consistency at AFL level, finished with six goals and took several trademark contested marks. At the other end, key defender Fletcher Roberts continued his excellent state league form with a best on ground performance. Roberts looms as a likely inclusion to a defence that was menaced by Bomber Jake Carlisle. Out of favour playmaker Shaun Higgins was also among the best and could be in line to replace midfielder Mitch Wallis, who will miss the remainder of the season with a broken foot. – Ryan Davidson
