Brodie Smith will need to complete training on Thursday to prove he's recovered from a hip injury, but Richard Douglas is free to play after being cleared for his bump on North Melbourne onballer Jamie MacMillan. Shaun McKernan responded strongly to his omission against the Roos, picking up 42 hit-outs and 20 possessions for South Adelaide. Andy Otten, Ivan Maric and Richard Tambling were also solid in the SANFL and could be considered for a recall. Rookie-listed forward Ian Callinan (bicep) will make his long-awaited return for Central District.
BRISBANE LIONS
After last week's disastrous loss against the Swans, Michael Voss may have some key personnel returning for Sunday's match against Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Josh Drummond (knee) and Tom Rockliff (calf) will have tests during the week to assess their availability and would be welcome inclusions. If Voss decides to wield the axe, midfielder Ryan Harwood and tagger Andrew Raines are also chances.
CARLTON
Michael Jamison (ankle) and Jarrad Waite (hamstring) pulled up a little sore after the big win over Port Adelaide, but the Blues have a ton of depth at the moment if they don't come up for the game against the Lions. Lachie Henderson, Brock McLean, Paul Bower and Marcus Davies were all rated in the best players for the Bullants. Matthew Kreuzer was also in the best for the Ants, but might need just one more game in the VFL before pushing for AFL selection. Robbie Warnock has recovered from the concussion he received against the Cats two weeks ago and is available for selection
COLLINGWOOD
The Magpies will at least need to find replacements for Dane Swan, who has travelled to Arizona to attempt to rehab his thigh injury at altitude in a mid-season training camp, and Dayne Beams, who has a foot fracture that will keep him out for a month. Travelling with Swan is Darren Jolly, meaning the ruckman won't make a return to the side until at least after the round 13 bye. Dale Thomas is challenging his one-week suspension at the tribunal and could be made available. Simon Buckley missed Saturday night's clash with St Kilda and could be considered, as could Jarryd Blair, who was in the Pies' best in the VFL on the weekend. Ben Johnson has been sidelined with a hamstring since round six but is nearing closer to a return.
ESSENDON
James Hird faces several selection dilemmas at Essendon this week. Captain Jobe Watson and key position player Michael Hurley will return from injuries to play Fremantle at Patersons Stadium on Sunday, but there will also be others in line to come into the squad after two consecutive losses. With more run expected to come into the side at the expense of one of the three Bombers' ruckmen, Kyle Reimers and Alwyn Davey will be strongly considered to return.
FREMANTLE
Fremantle has suggested it will remain cautious in its approach to Michael Barlow's return from a broken leg, but coach Mark Harvey has refused to rule him out for Sunday's clash against Essendon after just one half in the WAFL reserves. It will be tough for Harvey to make extensive changes, with the club's WAFL players out of form. Half-back Ben Bucovaz and midfielder Clayton Hinkley have been close to selection in recent weeks, while defender Dylan Roberton is available.
GEELONG
The Cats are likely to bring star midfielder Paul Chapman back into their team for Saturday night's clash with the Hawks. Key forward Tom Hawkins is expected to spend another week in the VFL, although youngsters Mitch Brown, Allen Christensen and Steven Motlop are all a chance to be called up after solid performances in the reserves.
GOLD COAST
Karmichael Hunt is available after serving his one-week suspension, but coach Guy McKenna is undecided whether to play him in the seniors or drop him to the reserves to improve his ball use. Charlie Dixon played in defence in the twos last week and is a chance to come back in to help tackle big North Melbourne forwards Aaron Edwards, Drew Petrie and Lachie Hansen.
HAWTHORN
The talking point of the week is whether or not Lance Franklin can overcome his calf injury in time to face Geelong on Saturday night. The star forward's selection will hinge on his performance at Thursday training. Rising Star nomination Shane Savage, who also missed Sunday's Fremantle clash with calf soreness, is a strong chance to be passed fit. Ruckmen Brent Renouf and David Hale both returned from injuries via the VFL on Saturday. Interesting to see if coach Alastair Clarkson can find room for one or both of the duo in his best 22 after the success of the Max Bailey/Jarryd Roughead ruck combination in recent matches.
MELBOURNE
Ricky Petterd and Matthew Bate have been in and out of the Melbourne side several times this year already but pushed their case once again with strong performances up forward for Casey. Sam Blease has edged closer to making his debut while the out-of-favour Matthew Warnock was solid in defence once again. Mark Jamar and Luke Tapscott are still a while away from returning to the action as they recover from injury.
NORTH MELBOURNE
With Jamie Macmillan sidelined with a fractured cheekbone, half-back Cameron Richardson seems a logical replacement after another outstanding performance (41 possessions and 16 marks) for North Ballarat last Sunday. However, with Michael Firrito an almost-certain inclusion after completing a one-week suspension, Richardson's wait for a senior recall may continue. In his second game back from a knee injury, Ryan Bastinac (24 possessions) was also among the Roosters' best players as was fellow midfielder Cruize Garlett. Ben McKinley looms as another possible inclusion after kicking six goals for Werribee.
RICHMOND
The Tigers and VFL affiliate Coburg had the bye last weekend giving Hardwick's men a long time to stew over their upset loss to Port in Darwin. It remains to be seen whether the coach will be looking to make a statement at the selection table after the loss. Shane Edwards is available after recovering from the fractured cheekbone he suffered in round eight.
ST KILDA
Raphael Clarke put in another best on ground performance for VFL team Sandringham, while Alistair Smith and Tommy Walsh were once again prominent. Walsh had the unenviable task of minding former Coleman medallist Brendan Fevola and held him to just one goal. Justin Koschitzke and Jason Gram can't be too far from returning to the Saints side but Koschitzke was set back when he fell ill over the weekend.
SYDNEY SWANS
Following a comprehensive 65-point win over the Brisbane Lions, when the Swans put in a strong team performance, it will be hard for reserve players to force their way into the side. Coach John Longmire was pleased with Trent Dennis-Lane's effort on his return to the forward line and he is likely to retain his place. Kieren Jack (ankle) and Shane Mumford (knee) are very close to a return to the senior side, but both need to get through training this week. Jesse White kicked four goals for the reserves and Luke Parker also impressed for the seconds, but there are unlikely to be many changes to face the Tigers.
WEST COAST
Daniel Kerr (glute) was a late withdrawal against Gold Coast, but the midfielder should be fit to tackle Adelaide on Saturday. Defenders Sam Butler (groin) and Eric Mackenzie (foot) are also expected to return for the trip to AAMI Stadium. With three of the four WAFL matches played on Foundation Day Monday, Brad Ebert is the only WAFL player likely to be considered after a best-on-ground performance for Peel Thunder on Saturday.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Rodney Eade said he would target senior players again at the selection table this week, and it would appear Josh Hill could be in his sights after an undisciplined display against Geelong where he didn't bother to stand the mark when his man was having a shot at goal. Adam Cooney could be available after missing with a knee since round eight while Brodie Moles could be considered if he proves he is over the shoulder he hurt before the Hawthorn game. Luke Dalhaus is reportedly moving closer to a senior debut but will need to be elevated from the rookie list first while first-year player Jayden Schofield has been close for a few weeks now.
