The Crows will be without defenders Phil Davis (shoulder) and Richard Tambling (suspended) for the clash with Melbourne at the MCG, but Kurt Tippett and Sam Jacobs are free to play after accepting reprimands from the match review panel. Midfielder Rory Sloane (thumb/jaw) will make his long-awaited return against the Demons, but Scott Stevens (illness) and Andy Otten (knee) will miss at least another week. Bernie Vince, Jared Petrenko and Chris Schmidt starred in the SANFL last weekend and will all be considered.
BRISBANE LIONS
After a false alarm last week, Lions coach Michael Voss indicated Josh Drummond was an almost certain starter for the clash against the Suns on Saturday night. Drummond played his second reserves game at the weekend and would add the touch of the class the Lions have missed. If Voss decides to use Matthew Leuenberger more in the ruck than forward, Aaron Cornelius could also come into contention after a seven-goal haul in the twos.
CARLTON
Chris Yarran (hamstring strain) was a late withdrawal from the side that defeated the Sydney Swans and the Blues will take a cautious approach with him again. Marc Murphy picked up a shoulder injury in that game, but has been cleared to play. Brock McLean was considered a near certainty to return last week and had a good game for the Bullants against GWS in the Foxtel Cup, as did Bret Thornton, who kicked six goals.
ESSENDON
James Hird said Dustin Fletcher will definitely play against West Coast on Sunday, so the veteran defender will return after missing last week’s Gold Coast massacre. David Myers is also a chance but will probably need another run in the VFL, while Ricky Dyson, Travis Colyer, Alwyn Davey and Alex Browne continue their good form for the Bendigo Bombers.
FREMANTLE
Defender Greg Broughton, who was withdrawn late against the Bulldogs on Anzac Day with back soreness, is expected to return this week. Coach Mark Harvey is unlikely to further tweak a winning mix, but he does have options in the WAFL. Forward Jack Anthony kicked four goals for Subiaco at the weekend, while Clancee Pearce capped a four-week run of form with 28 possessions and 10 marks for Swan Districts.
GEELONG
The Cats have lost young defender Taylor Hunt for at least the next month after he suffered a knee injury against Hawthorn in round five. He is almost certain to be replaced by veteran backman Josh Hunt, who missed the clash with the Hawks but returned in the VFL last week. Allen Christensen is also in line for a recall to take on North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium on Saturday after he was best on ground in the VFL. Highly rated forward Mitch Brown is another player who has put his hand up for a berth in the seniors. Brown has kicked 12 goals in the Cats' past two reserves matches.
GOLD COAST
Experienced defender Nathan Bock will return from his one match suspension to stiffen up the Suns defence. After two weeks on the sidelines through some soreness, Dion Prestia will come back into calculations along with Mav Weller and Nathan Krakouer. If impressive forward Charlie Dixon can't overcome a niggle he picked up from the Bombers match, coach Guy McKenna has said athletic No.3 selection Sam Day is in line to make his senior debut as his replacement.
HAWTHORN
There will be at least one, probably two forced changes to the Hawks line-up that lost to Geelong on Easter Tuesday. Cam Bruce is out with a PCL injury, while Cyril Rioli hurt his hamstring against the Cats and is in doubt. None of Tom Murphy, Paul Puopolo and Brendan Whitecross played for Box Hill on Sunday, suggesting they were being kept fresh for possible senior inclusion in Friday night's clash with Port Adelaide.
MELBOURNE
All the focus on Casey's game last week was on Brendan Fevola but there were more than enough positive signs for Melbourne-listed players. Matthew Bate booted six goals and Addam Maric two in what was an impressive performance by both players. Neville Jetta and Ricky Petterd also pushed their case for selection. Injured midfielders Jordie McKenzie and Tom Scully are still a while away from being available.
NORTH MELBOURNE
North's solid win over Port Adelaide means it is unlikely to make many changes. However, if Lachie Hansen's sore back rules him out this Saturday, Cameron Pedersen and Ben McKinley are strong chances to replace him.
McKinley kicked six goals with Werribee last Sunday, while Pedersen kicked three goals from 25 disposals. Cruize Garlett, Cameron Richardson and Robbie Tarrant all responded well to being dropped from North's round six side, Garlett, in particular, outstanding with 37 possessions and two goals for North Ballarat.
PORT ADELAIDE
Midfielder Travis Boak (concussion) and forward Jay Schulz (knee) should both be recalled to the team to play Hawthorn, but ruckman Dean Brogan (Achilles) and defender Cam O'Shea (shoulder) are in doubt. Danyle Pearce had 33 possessions for Sturt and will be considered. First-year players Ben Jacobs and Simon Phillips both starred in the local league last week, but had quieter games on the weekend. Andrew Moore is also finding his feet after a long lay-off with injury and young ruckman Matthew Lobbe needs to find form for West Adelaide before he can be considered as a viable replacement for Brogan.
RICHMOND
Shane Tuck is set to miss a couple of weeks after picking up a rib cartilage injury in the win over the Lions. Dan Jackson has served his suspension for making high contact with North's Scott Thompson and looms as a likely replacement. Andrew Browne pressed his claims once again with an excellent performance for Coburg as did Jeromey Webberley.
ST KILDA
Justin Koschitzke could be on the way back after missing last week with a recurrence of his ankle injury that bothered him throughout the summer. There was some good news for St Kilda this week with VFL side Sandringham putting in a solid performance against Geelong. Ryan Gamble booted six goals in a display that will not go unnoticed by the senior match committee. Ruckman Rhys Stanley excelled, as did Raphael Clarke and forward Tom Lynch.
SYDNEY SWANS
There will be some fall-out from the loss to Carlton, some forced and some by the coach's direction. Kieren Jack's ankle injury means there is a vacant midfield spot for rookie Nathan Gordon, first-year player Luke Parker or Brett Meredith. Some concerns over Jesse White's form may also open up a spot on the forward line - but does this mean forgotten ruckman Mark Seaby gets the nod (which allows Shane Mumford to move forward)? Or do genuine forwards Trent Dennis-Lane and Lewis Johnston come into calculations? Defender Heath Grundy, who missed Friday’s game due to illness, will be back.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
The Bulldogs are expecting to recall Daniel Giansiracusa, who has been missing with a hamstring, and Ben Hudson, who was absent from Sunday's loss to Collingwood with an ankle. Barry Hall (ankle) is likely to miss again while Shaun Higgins (groin) remains in doubt owing to groin soreness. Brian Lake is in the gun after Rodney Eade questioned his form and fitness this week while Sam Reid and Zeph Skinner were in Williamstown's best on the weekend.
WEST COAST
Any changes at West Coast this week will be based on match-ups - not form - after an even team performance against Melbourne in round six. If the Bombers continue with three tall forwards this week, defender Will Schofield may be recalled. The club has floated the idea of dropping Andrew Gaff to the WAFL to give him a full game after starting four of his five senior games as a substitute.
