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• Around the state leagues: Who starred in the second tier?

Coach Phil Walsh could face a big selection headache this week, with a host of stars to undergo fitness tests ahead of the Crows' game against Carlton. Rory Sloane (cheekbone), Richard Douglas (foot), Brad Crouch (foot) and Brodie Smith (concussion) will all be assessed, as will defender Ricky Henderson (back). Given Adelaide's strong showing against Fremantle, any player dropped would be considered unlucky, but space will need to be found to accommodate the club's premium talent if they're fit. Rory Atkins starred in the SANFL on his return from injury with 32 disposals and 10 clearances, Riley Knight (23 disposals) and Sam Shaw (23) were both solid, while ruckman Reilly O'Brien continued to impress (32 hit-outs).  - Harry Thring 

The Lions are running out of troops following another swathe of injuries against St Kilda last weekend. However, classy midfielder Pearce Hanley will play his first game of the season following hip surgery, although the club is still deciding whether that's with the seniors against Greater Western Sydney or with the NEAFL team. Sam Mayes (foot) got through his NEAFL return and is a chance of a call-up, while Jack Redden (back) and Dan McStay (finger) are also in the frame. The Lions need everyone on deck as Tom Rockliff (ribs), James Aish (jaw), Claye Beams (knee) and Jed Adcock (calf) are all expected to be unavailable, while Ryan Harwood (concussion) and Darcy Gardiner (calf) are also in doubt. - Michael Whiting

The Lions may finally unleash Pearce Hanley for their clash against GWS. Picture: AFL Media

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is close to returning to senior ranks after getting through his third game in the VFL last Sunday since returning from a foot injury. After missing the previous game with calf soreness Kreuzer returned strongly against Box Hill, finishing with 14 disposals and 32 hit-outs before being rested in the final quarter. The Blues also hope to regain experienced duo Chris Judd and Michael Jamison to face the Crows at the MCG on Saturday. Judd missed last Friday night’s game with knee soreness and Jamison has not played since round four against St Kilda because of an injured calf. They could be ideal replacements for injured pair Chris Yarran (sprained ankle) and Troy Menzel (knee soreness). Midfielder David Ellard was the Northern Blues' leading ball-winner last Sunday with 24 disposals and nine tackles, while Mark Whiley had 22 touches and seven clearances. Nick Holman pushed his case for senior selection, holding last year’s Liston Trophy winner Alex Woodward to only 19 possessions while collecting 18 himself and laying five tackles. - Howard Kotton 

Promising midfielder/forward Tim Broomhead pressed his case for an immediate recall to the senior line-up with a best-afield performance in a 38-point VFL win over Coburg at Coburg City Oval on Saturday. Broomhead responded to his senior omission with a prolific display that featured three goals. Ex-Lion Patrick Karnezis chimed in with three majors of his own to be the Pies' next-best performer, while Ben Kennedy and Tony Armstrong were also prominent. Meanwhile, defender Jonathon Marsh remains in the frame to make his AFL debut, and Sam Dwyer is also waiting in the wings. - Ben Collins

James Hird will be forced to make some changes after a couple of injuries arose during the Bombers’ loss to Richmond, including Jobe Watson (groin) and Dustin Fletcher (adductor). But key midfielder David Zaharakis also won't play having already missed three weeks with an ankle injury. The club’s VFL side had a strong win over Richmond’s state league team, with attacking half-back/midfielder Alex Browne best afield with 29 disposals and a goal. Browne, who had a knee reconstruction last year, hasn’t played at AFL level since 2012. Elliott Kavanagh was also solid, while Kyle Langford, Orazio Fantasia and Shaun Edwards showed exciting signs and may push for selection if the Bombers try to liven up their side with some speed and youth. - Callum Twomey 

No Docker is willing to give up his seat on the bus at the moment. The Dockers were unchanged last week and Ross Lyon anticipates they could be unchanged again this week, however the six-day break and the bruising nature of the win over the Crows may force his hand. Lee Spurr has a corked leg. He is expected to come up but there are plenty waiting in the wings. Tendai Mzungu was the travelling emergency in Adelaide. Matt de Boer had 27 touches for Peel Thunder in a big loss. Hayden Crozier (25 touches) and Max Duffy (22) were busy up forward. Jon Griffin had 27 hit-outs and Jack Hannath kicked two goals. - Alex Malcolm 

Rookie Michael Luxford is a chance to make his debut on Saturday night against Essendon. The 20-year-old former basketballer was signed under the alternative talent rules at the end of 2014 and has been in good form in the VFL in recent weeks, travelling to Perth as the team's first emergency against West Coast. Injuries to Rhys Stanley and Mitch Clark will test the team's tall stocks, although the club remains hopeful Stanley will play against Essendon, with Josh Walker again a chance to be recalled. He is a very good VFL player who just keeps putting his hand up, while Jarrad Jansen pushed his case to debut with a 26-disposal game in the midfield. An inside midfielder, he might be needed to add something new to the mix in the centre of the ground. Jake Kolodjashnij has been earmarked to play soon if an opportunity arises although the Cats' defence looks settled. Dawson Simpson withdrew from the VFL team on Saturday and will face a test on his troublesome shoulder. George Horlin-Smith keeps knocking on the door while Sam Blease was an emergency for the Eagles contest. - Peter Ryan

Nick Malceski is right in the frame to return against his former club the Sydney Swans on Saturday after getting through a reserves match strongly at the weekend. Malceski missed four weeks with knee soreness, but travelled to Darwin with the Suns' NEAFL team and played more than half a match to prove his fitness. With Jack Martin (hamstring) certain to miss, and Alex Sexton (hip) also in doubt, Clay Cameron and fellow defender Greg Broughton are big chances to win their way back into the top team. Captain Gary Ablett is still a couple of weeks off. - Michael Whiting 

Nick Malceski may be called upon by Gold Coast this week. Picture: AFL Media

The senior side was smashed by the Bulldogs last week, so several in-form reserves players will come into the selection frame this week. The GWS reserves are coming off the bye, but midfielder Jack Steele has been in great touch for the past month, while running defenders Curtly Hampton and Nathan Wilson have also been consistent performers. - Adam Curley 

Jordan Lewis' bruised shoulder, plus Grant Birchall, Will Langford and Paul Puopolo's leg injuries are the main concerns leading into the Saints clash on Sunday. Birchall (jarred ankle) and Lewis need to get through training this week to take their places after they missed the win over Gold Coast, while the Hawks could be forced into at least one change depending on scans results from Paul Puopolo's foot/ankle problem. Jonathan Simpkin (36, three goals) put his hand up for a recall in another starring performance for VFL affiliate Box Hill, while Jonathan O'Rourke (28), Ryan Schoenmakers (three goals) and Brendan Whitecross also pushed their cases. Ruckman Ben McEvoy (hamstring) might be available this weekend, although he's likely to return via the VFL.  - Travis King

The expected return of Dom Tyson for Monday's Queen's Birthday face-off with Collingwood will do plenty to bolster Melbourne's midfield. Tyson – who has been battling a medial ligament strain in his knee – was put through a fitness test ahead of Melbourne's trip to Alice Springs to face Port Adelaide. But the club played it cautiously, instead getting Tyson ready to play against the Magpies. Chris Dawes (calf) is unlikely to take the field against his former club, while Christian Salem (hamstring) is still at least a week away from getting back. Max Gawn and Ben Newton were travelling emergencies to the Northern Territory and could come into the selection mix, particularly after Paul Roos' response to the Demons' glaring fade-out against the Power. – Ben Guthrie

Brad Scott might have temporarily handed over the coaching reins to senior assistant Darren Crocker but upcoming back surgery is unlikely to stop the Roos coach from following through on his vow to make changes in the wake of North's disastrous loss to Collingwood. Shaun Atley and Luke McDonald will be among those under the gun, while leadership group member Sam Gibson could also feel the axe. Skipper Andrew Swallow could return this week after missing the past two games with a broken thumb, but will have to pass a fitness test later this week. Ben Jacobs pressed for a quick recall after finishing with 32 possessions and eight clearances in North Ballarat's loss to Port Melbourne last Saturday, while Aaron Mullett (24 possessions) is starting to find solid form again. Majak Daw continues to push strongly for a senior call-up after kicking five goals in Werribee's loss to Sandringham last Saturday, while Leigh Adams (28 possessions and six clearances) impressed in his first game of 2015, but will probably need at least one more VFL game before pressing for an AFL return. - Nick Bowen

Patrick Ryder is only rated a small chance to overcome an Achilles problem to take his place in the Power's side against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night. Brendon Ah Chee (knee) will be assessed for a possible return. Jared Polec (foot) remains at least five weeks away and will have further scans this week to determine his next phase of rehab. Aaron Young was brutish in the SANFL with 11 tackles, two goals and 23 possessions, Andrew Moore's 24 disposals included 10 clearances, while Mitch Harvey and Jake Neade each booted three goals in the Magpies' narrow win over Glenelg. - Harry Thring 

Richmond is starting to get a settled look with young players Corey Ellis, Liam McBean and Connor Menadue in the team, and the Tigers appear reinvigorated by their newer draftees. Where they would have been sent back to the VFL in the past, the club is giving them an extended run in the seniors after a third straight win. Veteran Chris Newman (groin) and forward Ty Vickery (knee/ankle soreness) will push to return this week but face fitness tests to lock in their availability. If injuries present on the track, Matt Arnot (22 possessions, six clearances and six tackles) was the Tigers' best in the VFL. - Nathan Schmook 

Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres clashed heads against the Brisbane Lions and will be monitored during the week, while Tom Hickey hurt his ankle but did recovery with a group of his teammates on Monday and should be available. Maverick Weller has copped a one-match ban for striking Rohan Bewick. Farren Ray – in his third VFL game after hamstring surgery – was one of Sandringham's best in an upset win over Werribee, while Josh Saunders kicked four goals. Seb Ross got through his second game unscathed and Sam Gilbert could come into consideration after a successful return. Draftee Hugh Goddard was another of the Zebras' better players despite tweaking a knee but forward Paddy McCartin also faces concussion testing this week after leaving the field in the first quarter. - Jennifer Phelan

Farren Ray in action for Sandringham this year. He's closing in on a senior return. Picture: AFL Media

The Swans are hopeful key defender Heath Grundy will be fit to take on the Suns. He was a late withdrawal after feeling tightness in his quad during the warm-up last week. Craig Bird (30 possessions) and Dean Towers (four goals) were good in the NEAFL again, should coach John Longmire feel the need to make any changes. - Adam Curley 

The Eagles don't have any injury concerns out of the win over Geelong and Elliot Yeo will return from suspension, so someone will be unlucky to miss out, and it could be the sub Brant Colledge. Scott Lycett kicked four goals playing predominantly up forward in East Perth's 48-point win on Monday in the WAFL but will be hard-pressed to get back in at the moment given the form of Callum Sinclair. Patrick McGinnity collected 26 possessions to throw his hat in the ring. Kane Lucas gathered 21 disposals and Xavier Ellis picked up 17 on his WAFL league return. Tom Barrass took six marks and had 12 disposals in defence and is gaining more experience to help give Adam Simpson options. -  Alex Malcolm     

Forwards Jake Stringer (illness) and Stewart Crameri (adductor) are likely to make the trip to Adelaide to face the Power on Saturday night. With Marcus Bontempelli (adductor) and Liam Picken (hamstring) both in doubt, classy forward Toby McLean should be in line for a senior debut after a best on ground performance for Footscray in the VFL. McLean, who has similar attributes to Magpies star Jamie Elliot, complemented 24 possessions and a goal with strong marking and a fierce attack on the footy. Fellow untried draftees Caleb Daniel and Declan Hamilton were busy in the wet and windy conditions, while bigmen Ayce Cordy (four goals) and Tom Campbell dominated in the ruck and up forward. Defenders Michael Talia and Sam Darley also had serviceable games. – Ryan Davidson

Jake Stringer should be fit to boost the Dogs for their clash against Port. Picture: AFL Media