• Your quick guide to the semi-finals
• First order of business for Tigers, Bulldogs
• Around the state leagues: how your seconds performed
• The injury list: Your club's sidelined players

Adelaide

Given the more traditional mix of talls and smalls in Hawthorn's forward line, the Crows will think hard about recalling defender Jake Lever for Friday night's semi-final. He was dropped for Kyle Cheney last weekend against the Western Bulldogs in an attempt to combat a smaller, dynamic attack. Cheney played well enough to hold his place, but the Crows have said they'll pick a 22 best suited to their opponent. It seems likely they will stick with David Mackay despite minimal impact when he was activated as sub in the third term against the Bulldogs. Rory Atkins had a game to forget against the Bulldogs but it would be a tough call to punish him. You would think the Crows will offer him a chance to atone on an even bigger stage, although Jarryd Lyons is ready and waiting – as are a raft of other midfielders including Mitch Grigg and Sam Kerridge. - Harry Thring

Young defender Jake Lever might be a chance to be brought back in to face the Hawks. Picture: AFL Media 


Hawthorn

Aside from the obvious concern over Jack Gunston's ankle, the Hawks have some tough selection calls to consider. Hawthorn struggled to get its balance right against West Coast, with key defenders Brian Lake and James Frawley each playing a half in attack but having little impact. Whether that forces a change in personnel remains to be seen, although swingman Ryan Schoenmakers, half-forward James Sicily and key backman Matt Spangher are all probing for an opportunity – with at least one likely to return if Gunston is ruled unfit. Running machine Billy Hartung was unlucky to be left out of the loss to West Coast, but could win a recall against the Crows on the wide-open spaces of the MCG. Box Hill had the week off after winning a VFL qualifying final, so the likes of Jed Anderson, Jonathan Simpkin, Brendan Whitecross, Jonathon Ceglar and Angus Litherland couldn't press their claims any further.  - Travis King

The Hawks may consider recalling cult hero Matt Spangher against the Crows. Picture: AFL Media

North Melbourne

The Roos emerged largely unscathed from their elimination final win over Richmond with Jamie Macmillan (ankle) expected to pass a fitness test and Lindsay Thomas escaping suspension for his kick on Dylan Grimes. After such a stirring victory, it's unlikely North will make many changes against the Sydney Swans. Kayne Turner should be available to return after missing the elimination final with concussion. The small forward's best chance of a recall could be in a straight swap for Thomas, who had a mixed game as North's substitute against the Tigers, giving away an undisciplined 50m penalty late in the third quarter that led to a Richmond goal against the run of play before kicking a crucial last-quarter goal. Star midfielder Daniel Wells will continue to train as long as the Roos remain in the finals, but his lack of match fitness makes it highly unlikely he'll play again this year. Wells played three games in the VFL last month after returning from a long-term Achilles tendon injury, but suffered a minor calf strain in his most recent game. With both of North's affiliates, North Ballarat and Werribee, out of the VFL finals, Wells' only hope of a senior recall now is to impress in match simulation on the training track. Ryan Bastinac, Luke McDonald and Aaron Mullett were the Roos' emergencies last Sunday but, like Wells, didn't have the chance to press their claims in the VFL. - Nick Bowen

Kayne Turner could add spark and hardness to the Roos' forward line mix. Picture: AFL Media

Sydney Swans

The Swans have been dealt a massive blow, with Lance Franklin ruled out of their finals campaign as he continues to battle an ongoing mental illness. Fellow forward Sam Reid also won't play again in 2015thanks to the torn hamstring he suffered against Fremantle in Saturday's qualifying final loss in Perth in another setback for the side's goalscoring stocks.

That leaves Kurt Tippett, Adam Goodes and the inexperienced Dean Towers as the Swans' tall forward options, and replacements for Franklin and Reid are few and far between. Coach John Longmire says it's 'highly unlikely' that co-captain Kieren Jack (knee) and midfielder Luke Parker (leg) will be ready to take on North Melbourne at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, but small defender Nick Smith (hamstring) could return if he can prove his fitness at training on Thursday. Experienced onballer Craig Bird could be a chance to tackle the Kangaroos, with nippy forward James Rose and defender Xavier Richards also in the mix. Unfortunately the Swans' reserves failed to make the NEAFL finals, so players looking to push their way into the senior team will have to impress on the training track this week. - Adam Curley