Get them in: Brodie Smith is set for his first game of the season. Tom Doedee, Richard Douglas and David Mackay could return from injury. Cam Ellis-Yolmen and Sam Gibson are also close.
Under the pump: Mitch McGovern could be squeezed out if the Crows decide they are too tall in attack. Jake Kelly, Jordan Gallucci, Lachlan Murphy and Riley Knight might miss out.
Medical room: Paul Seedsman is out with a hamstring injury, McGovern (AC joint) is in doubt and Kyle Cheney has been offered a one-week suspension. Doedee (concussion) will be available, and Douglas (ankle) and Mackay (ribs) will be assessed.
Verdict: In: Doedee, Douglas, Mackay and Smith. Out: Cheney, Kelly, McGovern and Seedsman. - Lee Gaskin
Get them in: Ryan Bastinac just keeps on producing at NEAFL level, while Brandon Starcevich also keeps hammering on the door for a debut.
Under the pump: He's been playing defensive roles in recent weeks, but Jake Barrett has been quiet recently, while Ryan Lester was also down against the Cats.
Medical room: Cedric Cox was ill and missed the NEAFL match at the weekend but should be available this week.
Verdict: No reason to make wholesale changes, but it might be a good time for Chris Fagan to unleash another debutant and some more youth over the final month. Starcevich should get his chance soon. - Michael Whiting
Get them in: Key forward duo Pat Kerr and Levi Casboult kicked seven goals between them in the VFL and could be in contention to replace the suspended Charlie Curnow. Matthew Kreuzer will play, if passed fit. Sam Kerridge was prolific in the VFL on his return from injury.
Under the pump: The Blues might be reluctant to change a winning team too much. Jarrod Pickett and Cam Polson had just 10 disposals between them at Metricon Stadium, but earned praise from coach Brendon Bolton for their forward pressure.
Medical room: Jacob Weitering escaped serious injury following a nasty collision with Steven May, but is still likely to pull up sore. Kreuzer will again be monitored after missing two games due to an elevated heartbeat.
Verdict: Kreuzer will play if fit, while either Casboult or Kerr will replace Curnow. Kerridge might be on the cusp of a return. Cam O'Shea was the travelling emergency against Gold Coast and could replace Weitering, should he miss. - Riley Beveridge
Matthew Kreuzer will play if he's recovered from an elevated heartbeat. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Mature-age rookie Jack Madgen is in the frame to make his AFL debut while fellow defender Adam Oxley could also be elevated. Runner James Aish has been solid since returning in the VFL, untried big man Sam McLarty provides flexibility and forward Ben Crocker could be recalled.
Under the pump: Sam Murray's dash and dare in the back half can be damaging, but he needs to balance it with more percentage play.
Medical room: Matt Scharenberg (knee) is out for the rest of the season, while star back Jeremy Howe (concussion) and versatile tall Brody Mihocek (ankle) might also need to be replaced.
Verdict: Ex-basketballer Madgen seems the logical replacement for Scharenberg. If need be, Oxley could come in for Howe, leaving Mihocek's spot to be taken by perhaps McLarty, another potential debutant. - Ben Collins
Get them in: Essendon's VFL side had the bye last week so none of its players were able to push for selection. Travis Colyer, Jake Long and Ben McNiece – all emergencies last week – are a chance, while James Stewart may also be a chance to return.
Under the pump: It was an even effort in last week's win over the Swans, so expect few unforced changes.
Medical room: The Bombers expect Kyle Langford (whiplash) and Matt Dea (concussion) to be available despite their heavy knocks last week against Sydney.
Verdict: If Langford and Dea pass their fitness tests it seems unlikely to be many changes for the Bombers, who are a settled side after eight wins from their past 10 games. - Callum Twomey
Get them in: The Dockers are struggling to kick a score and are desperate for another marking target, so recalling Matt Taberner after booting three goals at Peel in his comeback game has to be an option. Harley Bennell was outstanding in the first half with 17 disposals and two goals and, if fit, should be ready to go for just his third Freo appearance.
Under the pump: Stefan Giro was one of the young Dockers who didn't have much impact against Hawthorn and might need a spell after eight senior games.
Medical room: There is a watch on Bennell after he was limping late for Peel, while Hayden Ballantyne should be OK after twisting his ankle and might be a chance to return for the Western Derby.
Verdict: The Dockers need firepower, so Taberner, Bennell, Ballantyne and even Cam McCarthy would have to be in the mix. - Travis King
Get them in: Defenders Jackson Thurlow and Zach Guthrie will be considered as Tom Stewart's replacement to combat Richmond's small forwards. If Jack Henry is thrown back, Jamaine Jones, Jordan Murdoch and Wylie Buzza will come into the frame.
Under the pump: Jed Bews finished with two disposals but was heavily winded in the first term and will be required against Richmond's small forwards. Does Quinton Narkle need a rest ahead of a six-day break?
Medical room: Despite escaping serious damage to his ankle injury, defender Tom Stewart looks a long shot to play.
Verdict: If it ain't broke, why fix it? If Jack Henry stays forward, Thurlow or Guthrie will come in. If he returns back, Jones may get the nod. - Mitch Cleary
Get them in: Time for some fresh faces and Pearce Hanley, Ben Ainsworth, Jacob Dawson and Michael Barlow have all proved themselves at NEAFL level. Max Spencer or Jack Leslie might also be considered for team balance.
Under the pump: With precious little experience in the team, youngsters Sean Lemmens, Wil Powell and Jacob Heron might find themselves under pressure.
Medical room: Hard-nut on-baller David Swallow must pass concussion testing to be available this week.
Verdict: A number of changes will be made to play the Demons with Steven May suspended and Swallow in doubt. Spencer and Leslie will wrestle over the vacant tall defender's role, while Hanley and Ainsworth are now fit and will add speed. Barlow and Dawson might also be in the frame. - Michael Whiting
Michael Barlow could finally get a run after dominating in the NEAFL. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Star forward Jeremy Cameron will return against Carlton from a five-week suspension. Ryan Griffen (hamstring) could press for a recall if he gets through training, while Matt de Boer (ankle) made a brilliant return with 36 possessions, 11 tackles and three goals in the NEAFL last week.
Under the pump: Utility Sam Reid, defender Matt Buntine and exciting young forward Brent Daniels could be the unlucky ones to miss out, as the Giants' best 22 starts to make spots hard to come by.
Medical room: Key defender Aidan Corr (groin) could make a return against Adelaide in round 21.
Verdict: Cameron and Griffen in for Buntine and Daniels. - Adam Curley
Get them in: Emerging key forward Mitch Lewis keeps kicking goals and added two more in a low-scoring game for Box Hill at the weekend. Kieran Lovell, David Mirra and Conor Glass were among the best in the VFL. Taylor Duryea, Tim O'Brien and Will Langford are depth players for now.
Under the pump: Hard to find too many passengers the past two weeks, albeit against inferior opponents in the Blues and Dockers. Jonathan O’Rourke (20 possessions) did OK on Sunday, while key defender Kaiden Brand played his best game for the year.
Medical room: The Hawks came through the trip to Perth unscathed, but it remains to be seen how they recover from the short week and cross-country trip.
Verdict: The Hawks might bring back Harry Morrison, who was rested last week, just for some fresh legs against the speedy Dons. Brand might yet be surplus to requirements, if only because of Essendon’s small forwards. - Ashley Browne
Get them in: After a VFL bye and with no fresh injuries from a strong win on the road against Adelaide, Melbourne will be reluctant to make too many changes to the side. Howver, Cameron Pedersen, Dean Kent and Mitch Hannan may come into consideration.
Under the pump: First-year forward Charlie Spargo may need a rest soon after a long stretch of games, while Jay Kennedy-Harris and Joel Smith are others who wouldn't be feeling safe.
Medical room: Changes could be on the horizon in the next fortnight, with the Demons hopeful Jack Viney (foot) and Michael Hibberd (quad) will be ready to resume in round 21 or round 22. Jayden Hunt (ankle) will return via the VFL this week.
Verdict: The Demons may consider Kent or Hannan, if he has overcome a jarred knee, for Spargo, but otherwise no change. - Ben Guthrie
Get them in: Gun draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke responded to his senior demotion with a career-high 23 disposals in the VFL, along with six tackles, six clearances and a goal.
Under the pump: Will Walker did enough on debut to keep his spot, so one of Nathan Hrovat or Kayne Turner might be in danger if the Roos make any unforced changes.
Medical room: Shaun Higgins had minor right knee surgery on Monday night and will miss the clash with Brisbane, but is a chance to return next week. All eyes are on Jarrad Waite (calf), who coach Brad Scott said could have played on Sunday if required. That would suggest, like how the Roos were cautious with Mason Wood a week earlier, the veteran will be back this weekend. Ben Jacobs (concussion) is at least another week away.
Verdict: Waite, if fit, comes in for Higgins if there's only one change, but Davies-Uniacke is a possibility if North wants a like-for-like replacement. – Marc McGowan
Get them in: Key defender Dougal Howard could return from a hand injury. Small forward Sam Gray could also earn a recall.
Under the pump: Jack Hombsch or Tom Clurey are most at risk if Howard returns. Jarrod Lienert should keep his spot given his form.
Medical room: Howard (hand) will need to get through training this week.
Verdict: Just the one change. Howard for Hombsch. - Lee Gaskin
Get them in: Callum Moore kicked five goals in the VFL on Saturday while Anthony Miles and Ryan Garthwaite were also impressive and Patrick Naish had 26 disposals as he maintains a run of positive form.
Under the pump: Debutant Liam Baker was OK in his first game with 12 touches without starring and could make way if the coaches decide to shake things up. Toby Nankervis is also looking desperate for a rest, but it's unlikely against the in-form Rhys Stanley.
Medical room: Dion Prestia will be a forced change after scans confirmed he fractured a rib in a big collision with Collingwood's Travis Varcoe. Brandon Ellis (corked thigh) and Alex Rance (glute) had sore spots treated during the game but are expected to play. Bachar Houli and Jack Graham are at least a week away from their AFL returns while Dan Butler is a little further off, while Shai Bolton is unavailable after suffering a minor knee injury at training last week.
Verdict: With the Cats to miss defender Tom Stewart, the Tigers might try to test them down back by recalling Moore. Garthwaite is there if Rance, and to a lesser extent Ellis, don't get up, while Miles is a bit more like-for-like for Prestia. Naish just won't go away – will the Tigers take a punt on another debutant on the big stage? - Jennifer Phelan
Could father-son prospect Patrick Naish make his debut this weekend? Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: In his seventh-straight VFL game, Nathan Freeman racked up 37 disposals and a goal. Experienced onballer David Armitage was an emergency last week and Hunter Clark was rested, while backman Hugh Goddard and draftee Ben Paton are pressing.
Under the pump: The forward line struggled against Greater Western Sydney, with Josh Battle and Rowan Marshall quiet. Mav Weller and Luke Dunstan would like to have done more.
Medical room: A right groin injury is hampering Jimmy Webster, while fellow defender Logan Austin is trying to overcome his own groin issues.
Verdict: Armitage for Dunstan. - Dinny Navaratnam
Get them in: With Zak Jones suspended the Swans will need to make at least one forced change, with veterans Jarrad McVeigh (collarbone) and Kieren Jack (knee) a chance to come in.
Under the pump: Midfielder Robbie Fox has struggled for form, while young forward Tom McCartin might need a break to freshen up.
Medical room: McVeigh and Jack will need to get through a full week of training to be picked and could both face a fitness test on Thursday.
Verdict: McVeigh in for Jones. - Adam Curley
Veteran Jarrad McVeigh is a likely inclusion for the struggling Swans. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: It is expected Luke Shuey will be back after flying home early from Hobart due to personal reasons.
Under the pump: Speedy forward Jack Petruccelle was a late inclusion against North Melbourne and after only picking up five touches looks likely to make way. Daniel Venables has been quiet since his return a month ago and might be better served finding form at WAFL level.
Medical room: Lewis Jetta can be a whipping boy for fans but his elite kicking is especially damaging at Optus Stadium and the Eagles will hope he recovers from a calf niggle. Spearhead Josh Kennedy will miss a second game.
Verdict: Shuey and Jetta should be back for a crucial Western Derby on Sunday. - Travis King
Get them in: With such a long injury list, the Dogs are a good chance to make no changes for Saturday night's clash with fellow struggler St Kilda. Ruckman Tim English is a chance after a successful return in the VFL from a foot injury.
Under the pump: With so many teammates sidelined, there shouldn't be too much concern among the side that lost easily to Port Adelaide on the weekend.
Medical room: Forward Tory Dickson appears to have recovered from his latest hamstring injury, but is likely to resume through the VFL.
Verdict: No change - Ryan Davidson
