Adelaide Crows

Get them in: Midfielder Curtly Hampton (18 disposals) and forward Riley Knight (16) made encouraging returns in the SANFL last weekend in their first games back from injury. Youngster Darcy Fogarty - who booted four goals in the first two games of the season - was the travelling emergency last weekend.

Under the pump: Wayne Milera (10 disposals) was quiet against St Kilda, but the Crows like his speed on the wing and across half-back.

Medical room: Andy Otten and Alex Keath could potentially be available, but both would come through the SANFL.

Verdict: The Crows should go in unchanged to face Collingwood on Friday night. - Lee Gaskin

Brisbane Lions

Get them in: Captain Dayne Beams was a late withdrawal against Port with illness but should be fine this week. Jacob Allison and Zac Bailey were impressive in the NEAFL.

Under the pump: Tom Cutler was the late addition for Beams but played well with 21 touches and one goal. If it's not "last man in, first man out", then No.1 draft pick Cam Rayner, despite some great flashes, has been quiet in his first three matches.

Medical room: Beams is expected to be back to play Richmond, while the club still lists Daniel Rich as "at least one week" with his ankle injury. That's been two weeks and counting.

Verdict: Beams will come straight back in, but it's hard to see many – if any – other changes. The Lions played only one genuine tall defender last week, Harris Andrews, which is perfect against the Tigers. - Michael Whiting

Carlton

Get them in: Jack Silvagni showed impressive signs in the Northern Blues' big loss to Collingwood last Saturday. He spent some time in the midfield, setting up two goals from centre clearances as well as kicking a goal. Sam Kerridge (32 disposals) ran hard all day.

Under the pump: Plenty of candidates, but Jed Lamb, Aaron Mullett and Cameron Polson had little impact against the Magpies and need to win more of the ball.

Medical room: Cameron O'Shea is a big chance to return and replace Caleb Marchbank, who will miss a month with an ankle injury. 

Verdict: Along with O'Shea, Kerridge and Silvagni would be in strong contention for a senior recall after last Friday night's disappointing display. - Howard Kotton

Collingwood

Get them in: The Pies could face some big decisions given the VFL performances of attacking trio Jordan De Goey, Jamie Elliott and Alex Fasolo, each of whom are yet to play an AFL game this season. A revitalised Chris Mayne and youngster Brayden Sier also remain in contention, while mature-aged recruit Brody Mihocek could be a chance to take on the Crows’ tall forwards.

Under the pump: Top draft pick Jaidyn Stephenson has made a terrific start to his AFL career but might be due for a rest after just six touches in 70 per cent game time against Carlton. However, his speed would be useful against the Crows.

Medical room: The Magpies hope they will finally start gathering their forces with De Goey, Elliott and Fasolo possibly becoming available for AFL selection this week, and Daniel Wells and Levi Greenwood set to return soon.

Verdict: Facing the formidable Crows at Adelaide Oval, the Pies can probably afford to pick only one, maybe two of De Goey, Elliott and Fasolo. And don't discount big-bodied Mihocek making his AFL debut, which would again release Jeremy Howe to play as an interceptor rather than as a key defender. - Ben Collins

Both Jamie Elliott and Jordan De Goey are chances to return for the Pies. Picture: AFL Photos

Carlton

Get them in: Jackson Merrett could come into the senior team after booting five goals in the opening round of the VFL last week. Shaun McKernan kicked three goals and could be a chance for an AFL spot if the Bombers restructure their forward line, while Kyle Langford, Mason Redman, Matt Guelfi and Jayden Laverde could also be considered.

Under the pump: Essendon had nearly its strongest side in last week, which made the worse even more worrying. David Myers might get another go but was rushed in his first game of the season, while Josh Begley only got a late reprieve after an injury to Matt Dea. Also, Essendon may have to replace Conor McKenna, who faces a misconduct charge at the Tribunal on Tuesday for biting Tory Dickson.

Medical room: The Bombers don't have many injury concerns after regaining Orazio Fantasia last week. Form is the major issue after their past two defeats.

Verdict: Will John Worsfold give his charges one more week to get things back on track or make a statement at selection this week? Backing them in seems most likely, but Merrett seems right on the cusp of a recall after not playing a senior game last year. - Callum Twomey

Fremantle

Get them in: Darcy Tucker was one of four axed after round one but the 21-year-old has responded superbly at Peel and was the standout with another 34 touches with two goals on Saturday.

Under the pump: There won't be many changes on form after a strong team performance against Gold Coast. Tommy Sheridan probably goes back out of the line-up if Bradley Hill is fit.

Medical room: Hill could be back from a knee complaint but Dockers coach Ross Lyon has said they won't take any risks with the Doig medallist. Michael Walters is expected to be fine after having his hand stood on.

Verdict: The Dockers might give Hill another week unless he is cherry ripe for the trip to face GWS in Canberra, and could go in unchanged. - Travis King

Geelong Cats

Get them in: Mitch Duncan (hamstring tightness) is a lock after being close to returning against the Eagles. Rhys Stanley and Zac Smith will be vying for a recall after going without a No.1 ruck on Sunday. Strong VFL performer Jordan Cunico travelled as an emergency to Perth, Jordan Murdoch and Mark O'Connor were also in the squad of 26. Jackson Thurlow was added to the squad for Easter Monday and will be considered. Could key defenders Timm House or Ryan Gardner debut against the Saints' big three?

Under the pump: Tough to make too many changes outside the forced injuries. After seven touches on Easter Monday, James Parsons collected 12 possessions against West Coast.

Medical room: Put a line through Gary Ablett (hamstring), Cam Guthrie (ankle) and Nakia Cockatoo (knee).

Verdict: Duncan to return and Cunico to add to his debut from round 10 last year. The final spot will cause headaches. A ruckman will be considered, while House or Gardner will be looked at against a taller Saints outfit. With Guthrie falling out of the back-half, Thurlow could be a like-for-like replacement. - Mitch Cleary

Mitch Duncan is likely to return after hamstring tightness. Picture: AFL Photos


Gold Coast Suns

Off the bench: With Hanley's recurring shoulder problem, at least one change will be made to play West Coast. Jack Bowes returns from suspension, while midfielders Michael Barlow and Jesse Lonergan were super in the NEAFL, and Matt Rosa is knocking on the door.

Under the pump: It's just one match, but Aaron Hall had a horror against Freo, finishing with just five disposals after being tagged by youngster Bailey Banfield.

Medical room: Hanley is likely to miss an extended period of time, while Peter Wright's calf injury drags on and on – now approaching six weeks. Small forward Callum Ah Chee is close to returning through the NEAFL from his hamstring problem.

Verdict: Bowes is a perfect replacement for Hanley, but coach Stuart Dew seems a fairly patient man, so don't expect many changes after just one loss. - Michael Whiting

GWS Giants

Get them in: Veteran Ryan Griffen gathered 30 possessions in the NEAFL last week in his second game back from an ankle issue, but more importantly moved well and could be ready for senior action. Isaac Cumming and Nick Shipley were also solid.

Under the pump: Given Fremantle's lack of big forwards Aidan Corr could be in trouble, especially if Griffen comes in. Harry Himmelberg and Sam Reid struggled against the Swans, as did youngster Harry Perryman in his first game of the year.

Medical room: Star forward Toby Greene (hamstring tightness) should be right to face the Dockers but he'll need to train full on Wednesday to prove his fitness.

Verdict: Greene and Griffen should be available so it will leave Leon Cameron with two tough calls, with Corr and Perryman likely to be the ones to make way. - Adam Curley

Hawthorn

Get them in: At some stage this year the Hawks will want to have a look at second-year tall Mitchell Lewis, who has had a fine summer and opened his VFL campaign with three goals on Sunday. James Cousins (three goals) and Jonathan O'Rourke (29 disposals) also played well in the win over Williamstown.

Under the pump: Will Langford was quiet in his first game of the year, Taylor Duryea got the ball but butchered it and Tim O’Brien was also unobtrusive. But he is the closest the Hawks have to a relief ruckman, so he probably needs to play.

Medical room: The Hawks came out of the Richmond game with no injuries, but Ryan Schoenmakers (Achilles) is the one to watch this week. James Sicily will return from suspension.

Verdict: Sicily comes in to steady the backline. Langford might drop back to get some run and form in the VFL. Cousins, Conor Glass and O'Rourke should at least appear in the extended squad. At some stage they have to bite the bullet with O'Rourke and decide whether he can still play. - Ashley Browne

Melbourne

Get them in: The Casey Demons had a number of strong performers in a dominant 107-point victory over Coburg, with Sam Weideman (five goals), Cam Pedersen (26 disposals, 15 marks), Harley Balic (six goals), Angus Brayshaw (22 touches), Mitch Hannan (three goals) all impressing.

Under the pump: Veteran defender Bernie Vince will be monitored during the week after pulling up a little sore late in Saturday's game against the Roos. The Demons are confident he'll be fine to play. Good luck finding another player to omit, although James Harmes and Jake Melksham are yet to reach peak form so far this season.

Medical room: Star Demons Jack Viney and Tom McDonald are still at least six weeks away from returning as they continue their recovery from foot injuries.

Verdict: Difficult to see the Demons making a change, although Weideman and Pedersen were dominant in the air in the VFL and will be considered. Brayshaw is also pressing hard for a senior recall after missing selection in the first three rounds. - Ben Guthrie

Sam Weideman pressed his claims with five goals in the VFL. Picture: AFL Photos

North Melbourne

Get them in: Robbie Tarrant will return if he passes a fitness test on his sore hamstring. Cameron Zurhaar could be on the verge of a recall, with Kayne Turner again struggling to make an impact. Draftee Will Walker has also put himself in the frame, along with Declan Mountford. It is probably a week or so early for Sam Wright, but he was the Roos' best player against the AFL Academy kids. 

Under the pump: There were some seriously low numbers in the loss to Melbourne. Kayne Turner has had a slow start to the year, while Jed Anderson – after impressing against the Saints – could also be in some danger. What Brad Scott does with late inclusion Majak Daw will also be interesting, with fellow defender Tarrant due back from injury.

Medical room: Taylor Garner, Kyron Hayden and Oscar Junker are the ones to watch here. Garner (groin) should be close to playing at some level in the next fortnight, while first-year player Hayden (shoulder) will start in the VFL once he's ready to go in the coming weeks. Junker's concussion-related issue has lingered for several weeks. 

Verdict: Expect some movement at the selection table. North would have had consecutive weeks without a change if Tarrant wasn't a late out. Tarrant will be back if he's fit and it wouldn't be surprising to see at least one other swap. – Marc McGowan

Port Adelaide

Get them in: Ruckman Billy Frampton could make his senior debut after Stefan Martin dominated Justin Westhoff and Charlie Dixon last week. Karl Amon (26 disposals) and Jack Trengove (23, two goals) impressed in the SANFL.

Under the pump: Hard to make changes to an unbeaten side, but Dom Barry (12 disposals against Brisbane) could be squeezed out to bring in Frampton.

Medical room: Vice-captain Ollie Wines (ankle) and defender Dan Houston (concussion) will be assessed this week. Jasper Pittard (hamstring) will likely have to come through the SANFL.

Verdict: Just the one change – Frampton in for Barry. Joe Atley would be the logical replacement if Wines can't get up. Former Gold Coast defender Trent McKenzie would be in line for a Power debut if Houston is ruled out. - Lee Gaskin

Richmond

Off the bench: The Tigers have two available off the back of suspensions; Josh Caddy is back after serving a one-match ban and Nathan Broad is in the frame following his three-game club sanction. Dion Prestia is also a chance to return after missing last week with a sore left glute while Corey Ellis, Shai Bolton and Anthony Miles were among the best in the VFL on Saturday.

Under the pump: Sam Lloyd came in last week and was serviceable without being a standout with one goal and 17 disposals. Reece Conca was quiet before half-time but may have saved himself with an impressive second half when he moved into the middle. Jack Higgins had some explosive moments in his debut game but were two goals and 12 disposals enough? Jacob Townsend was quiet possession-wise against the Hawks, but his off-the-ball work remains important, and he could be required to play on Luke Hodge on Saturday.

Medical room: The Tigers are in a blessed position injury wise. Daniel Rioli remains their only problematic omission although he is hopeful of returning in the next few weeks after a long-term foot issue. Prestia hasn't played in the seniors yet but the Tigers say it was just soreness and not a fresh injury that kept him out last week. Nathan Drummond and Shaun Hampson are back playing in the VFL after long-term injuries. They have no one suspended as of this week.

Verdict: The Tigers have nearly a full list to choose from but don't expect wholesale changes. The VFL side has a bye but Prestia might be held over for one more week with a long break on the other side of this round before their Anzac Eve clash with Melbourne an opportunity for a solid block of training. Caddy comes in for Lloyd, leaving Broad only a chance to play with Conca and Jayden Short likely to hang on. – Jennifer Phelan.

Josh Caddy looms as a certain inclusion after his suspension. Picture: AFL Photos

St Kilda

Get them in: Tough nut Jack Steele responded to his omission with 41 disposals for Sandringham while Ed Phillips (31) and Hunter Clark (28) were also prolific. Josh Battle booted three goals, but if the Saints want a smaller option, Jack Lonie slotted four. Sam Gilbert also impressed.

Under the pump: Key forwards Paddy McCartin and Josh Bruce will be looked at. Nathan Wright had just five disposals while Ben Long needs to have more impact.

Medical room: Tim Membrey will be back if he overcomes a knee injury while Billy Longer (groin) and Mav Weller (hamstring) also need to prove their fitness.

Verdict: Bruce out for Battle, while Clark or Lonie could replace Wright or Long. - Dinny Navaratnam

Sydney Swans

Get them in: With Sam Reid (quad) gone long-term, Darcy Cameron gives the Swans someone who can ruck but also provide a tall target in attack. Aliir Aliir played 60 minutes in the NEAFL last week but he has missed five weeks with an ankle injury so needs more footy. Nic Newman had 30 disposals in the NEAFL last week so he's in good form if required, while Robbie Fox was held over as last week's emergency.

Under the pump: With Reid and Lewis Melican (hamstring) out already, John Longmire isn't likely to make any other forced changes.

Medical room:  Zak Jones (calf) could be considered to return if he trains well on Thursday but must still be in some doubt after only running on Tuesday.

Verdict: Cameron and Fox to replace the injured pair, with Jones an outside chance. - Adam Curley

Nic Newman produced strong form in the NEAFL. Picture: AFL Photos

West Coast Eagles

Get them in: The Eagles have a decision to make on spearhead Josh Kennedy. The dual Coleman medallist wants to play but might need another week of training under his belt after ankle and knee surgery.

Under the pump: The Eagles brought in tagger Mark Hutchings to take on Joel Selwood and he did a good job, but it's doubtful they'll use a run-with role against Gold Coast and team balance could squeeze him back out.

Medical room: Liam Duggan should be right after being withdrawn from the Geelong victory due to a hamstring issue, but Liam Ryan appears set for a stint on the sidelines due to a nasty ankle injury.

Verdict: Duggan will return if fit, Kennedy seems doubtful this week. Could top draftee Jarrod Brander debut after some excellent efforts at East Perth? - Travis King

Western Bulldogs

Get them in: An even spread of contributors in the win over Essendon should see minimal changes for the clash against Sydney. Second-year forward Paddy Lipinski must be close to senior selection after a classy four-goal performance in the VFL on the weekend, while premiership defender Fletcher Roberts might earn a recall to help with the job on Lance Franklin with Zaine Cordy out suspended. Shane Biggs was serviceable in his second week back at Footscray and could be considered to face his old side. Ruckman Jordan Roughead will need to pass a fitness test on a concussion he received in round two, so will recruit Jackson Trengove (shoulder).

Under the pump:  There were few Dogs who didn't fire against the Bombers, but midfielder Lin Jong (14 touches at 57 per cent efficiency) was one of the less effective contributors. Jack Redpath was held goalless in his first senior game on the season, but the key forward should be given a chance to find continuity.

Medical room: The Dogs finally had some respite on the injury front in round three but they will have to wait on the fitness of Roughead.

Verdict: Roberts recalled for the suspended Cordy. - Ryan Davidson