Patrick Dangerfield has been ruled out of the game against the Western Bulldogs with a broken hand, while veteran duo Simon Goodwin (ankle) and Andrew McLeod (knee) will miss at least another week. Graham Johncock has served a one-match ban for rough conduct and is free to play, as is forward Chris Knights, who has recovered from a side strain. Phil Davis and Tony Armstrong head up the list of players in the SANFL looking for a recall.
BRISBANE LIONS
Aaron Cornelius is a strong chance to return after a strong display for the club’s reserve grade team, kicking five goals. Brendan Fevola’s season-ending groin injury will help his chances, while forward Bryce Retzlaff could be an outside chance to make his debut. Jed Adcock played well in his first game for eight weeks following a foot injury and may earn a recall, while Travis Johnstone was the Lions’ best in the reserves.
CARLTON
Brett Ratten was stinging in his criticism on Saturday so there could be changes aplenty this week. Sam Jacobs, Mitch Robinson and Richard Hadley fit the bill if a bit more grunt is required. Jacobs, Hadley and Bret Thornton were the best three players for the Bullants, but the VFL affiliate managed just two goals in a poor loss at the weekend. Dennis Armfield and Ryan Houlihan should have recovered from their respective injuries to provide further options.
COLLINGWOOD
Heath Shaw should be fit after training strongly late last week. Fellow backman Simon Prestigiacomo will need to pass a fitness test as he battles a groin concern, while the usual raft of players are staking a claim at VFL level. Paul Medhurst has been knocking on the door, while John Anthony, John McCarthy, Simon Buckley and Josh Fraser were all impressive at the lower level last weekend. Tarkyn Lockyer will be around the mark after being omitted last week.
ESSENDON
With Scott Gumbleton leaving the side with broken ribs, there will be at least one change to the Bombers’ line up for Friday night’s huge clash with Carlton. Jason Winderlich is rated a 50 per cent chance to return from a fractured hand while Henry Slattery is expected to be available after overcoming bruised ribs. Young gun Jake Carlisle, Nathan Lovett-Murray and David Myers were in the best for Bendigo on the weekend.
FREMANTLE
With Chris Tarrant sidelined, Kepler Bradley (knee) is likely to return this week with Michael Johnson shifting into defence when necessary. Fremantle had no other injury concerns out of the western derby, but expect midfielder Rhys Palmer (shoulder) to come straight back into the side after missing one game. Half back Dylan Roberton is another possible replacement for Tarrant after a solid performance for East Perth.
GEELONG
Jimmy Bartel and James Podsiadly will return for Saturday night's clash with Collingwood, after both missed last weekend's victory over the Swans due to injury. Ruckman Trent West is expected to be dropped, meaning both he and Mark Blake will run around in the VFL. In their absence, Brad Ottens will carry the rucking duties. Joel Corey could be rested, as he's battling a chronic knee problem and the Cats are desperate to have him fully fit in September.
HAWTHORN
Cyril Rioli accepted a one-match ban and comes out of the side. Carl Peterson impressed in the VFL and was named Box Hill’s best player with Beau Muston, Ryan Schoenmakers, Matt Suckling and Jordan Lisle also impressing to give Alastair Clarkson food for thought as he plots a return to the winners’ list. Rhan Hooper played his first game for Box Hill returning from a hamstring injury while Simon Taylor played his fourth game back from a broken leg.
MELBOURNE
Brent Moloney should be set to return to the Demons' side after missing the last couple of weeks through injury. Jack Trengove should also find his way back after a solid performance for Casey in the VFL. Matthew Warnock and Matthew Bate are also on the verge of selection while Luke Tapscott's senior debut may not be far away.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Brad Scott has already flagged a recall for small forward Matt Campbell (calf) should he be fit, but the availability of Nathan Grima (quad), Daniel Wells (quad), Daniel Pratt (hamstring) and Ben Warren (back) takes priority against a finals-bound opponent. David Hale is contributing as a ruckman for VFL affiliate North Ballarat, but won't push Hamish McIntosh or Todd Goldstein out. Will Corey Jones play for North again? Another 30 possessions and three goals in the VFL says he should.
PORT ADELAIDE
Matt Thomas (calf) and Tom Logan (concussion) both sat out the Power’s win over Hawthorn, but have been cleared to take on the Saints. Daniel Motlop is also free to play, having served a two-match ban for rough conduct but is most likely to return via the SANFL. The club is keen to have a look at Jasper Pittard and Marlon Motlop over the next month, but it’s hard to see the classy pair squeezing into the side this week.
RICHMOND
Andrew Collins was a late withdrawal with a corked thigh on Sunday, but debutant Robbie Hicks did well as his replacement, ands coach Damien Hardwick has tended to give players at least a couple of weeks once selected. Ruckman Angus Graham could be due for a rest, which would mean Tyrone Vickery will get a run, while Alex Rance, Robin Nahas (in the midfield) and defender David Gourdis all did well at Coburg.
ST KILDA
Clint Jones should come back into the side after he was a late withdrawal last week with an ankle injury. Alistair Smith will be pushing to make his senior debut after a dominant performance in the VFL as could Luke Miles who may be the most logical replacement for the injured Zac Dawson.
SYDNEY SWANS
After the same 22 players delivered successive heavy losses, it seems unlikely Paul Roos won't make changes. Gary Rohan is fit again after an ankle injury, but didn't star in the reserves' win over Eastlake, where first-year midfielder Byron Sumner, ruckman Daniel Currie and key forward Lewis Johnston (five goals) were among the best. Mike Pyke is suffering from a sore ankle and will be assessed. Defenders Lewis Roberts-Thomson and Nick Smith are still at least a week away.
WEST COAST
Midfielder Adam Selwood faces a test on his injured AC joint after missing one game, and he will replace Chris Masten (ankle) if declared fit. A big derby loss is likely to prompt further changes. Koby Stevens (24 possessions and two goals) and Ben McKinley (seven goals) pushed their claims in the WAFL, while rookies Callum Wilson and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls may be given opportunities.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs got through round 18 with no injuries although Ryan Griffen did cop a big bump that eventually led to him leaving the field vomiting. Mitch Hahn was rated a chance to return this week but a concussion sustained in the VFL has left him unavailable for another. Callan Ward’s hip will be tested while Tim Callan, Jarrad Boumann and rookie Jamason Daniels were among Williamstown’s best. Jarrod Harbrow will return after being a late withdrawal on the weekend with illness.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
