• Around the state leagues
• Six things we learned from round 12
• After the siren: Demons dare to dream
• Fantasy form watch: round 12


Skipper Taylor Walker is confident he can overcome a corked thigh to take on the Brisbane Lions this weekend, while young pair Jake Lever (ankle) and Brad Crouch (foot) are both likely to be available for selection. Scans on Crouch's foot revealed no bone damage after he complained of soreness last week. Lever missed two games with his ankle injury and might be asked to return via the SANFL. Jarryd Lyons was again a standout in the SANFL at the weekend with 29 disposals, five clearances and a goal. Ricky Henderson made a successful return from a back injury (27 disposals, nine marks) and Rory Atkins was solid again (24 possessions, five clearances). - Harry Thring

They got a few back last week and more Lions could return to take on Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday, with Darcy Gardiner, Ryan Harwood and Sam Mayes all getting through a NEAFL match at the weekend. All three were strong performers and after the seniors' 72-point loss to the Western Bulldogs, will come right into the frame. Fullback Daniel Merrett is available this week, but after 12 weeks out is expected to come back through the NEAFL, while captain Tom Rockliff (ribs) is at least one more week away. - Michael Whiting

Vice-captain Michael Jamison made an encouraging return from a calf injury in the VFL game against Werribee at Ikon Park last Saturday. The veteran defender, who has been sidelined since round four, performed well on Majak Daw. He picked up nine touches, two marks and conceded only one goal in about 60 per cent game-time. Although a different type of player, Jamison looms as a likely replacement for suspended midfielder Bryce Gibbs. Matthew Watson booted six goals in the Northern Blues' thrilling four-point win. Mark Whiley and David Ellard each collected 28 possessions, Blaine Boekhorst 26 and Nick Holman 22. - Howard Kotton

Swingman Ben Reid, ex-Kangaroos midfielder Levi Greenwood, young gun Darcy Moore and the experienced Clinton Young are likely to need more game time in the VFL before being considered for the clash with Fremantle, while ruckman Brodie Grundy will miss at least another game with his minor neck injury. The Pies' VFL side also had a bye on the weekend, but their outing the previous week in a win over Werribee at Victoria Park provided more food for thought for selectors. Patrick Karnezis had 25 disposals, 10 clearances and kicked three goals playing predominantly as a midfielder, young gun Matt Scharenberg had 18 quality touches, Sam Dwyer had 22 possessions (12 contested) and laid nine tackles, and ever-improving American ruckman Mason Cox was among the best players after having 27 hit-outs against North Melbourne-listed big men Majak Daw and Daniel Currie. Backmen Jonathon Marsh and Brayden Maynard remain in consideration to make their AFL debuts. First-year player Brenden Abbott bagged six goals in a best-afield display against Werribee but is ineligible for AFL selection because of his rookie status - Ben Collins

The Bombers face a busy week at the selection table before their clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday. David Zaharakis should return after a six-week absence with an ankle injury, and Jason Winderlich is a chance to come into the side for his first AFL game of the year. Heath Hocking is likely to resume through the VFL. But the Bombers will lose at least Travis Colyer (foot) through injury, while Dustin Fletcher isn’t ready to come back as he nurses a groin concern. Rookie-listed Shaun McKernan could be elevated and play as a forward/ruckman, and Jayden Laverde remains a chance to make his AFL debut after some exciting form at VFL level.  - Callum Twomey

Essendon could be boosted by the return of David Zaharakis this weekend. Picture: AFL Media

Both the Dockers and their WAFL affiliate Peel Thunder had the bye last weekend, so the entire squad got a well-deserved break to freshen up. Freo's forward line mix is intriguing. Chris Mayne missed the last match through illness and should come straight back in. Matt Taberner has been subbed out of two of the past three games and, while the weather has been a factor, he's kicked just one goal in that time. Zac Clarke was dropped against Gold Coast and may need to fight his way back through the WAFL. The Dockers are still a bit thin defensively with Zac Dawson (thumb), Alex Silvagni (hamstring) and Michael Johnson (hamstring) still weeks away. Paul Duffield was dropped against the Suns but remains an experienced option to call on. Matt de Boer, Connor Blakely, Max Duffy and Lachie Weller are all waiting for a chance. – Alex Malcolm

After 11 weeks on the sidelines, Gary Ablett is one good training session away from making a comeback. And that's not the end of the good news for the Suns, with David Swallow, Steven May, Harley Bennell and Rory Thompson also in line to return against Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday. Ablett is no certainty, but the club believes if he gets through Wednesday's main training session he has ticked all boxes to make a comeback from his troublesome left shoulder. Swallow (knee), May (groin), Bennell (calf) and Thompson (hip flexor) are all in the same boat and must complete training to be considered. Alex Sexton is also a chance to come back in, along with Sam Day. - Michael Whiting

Uncertainty clouds Grant Birchall's availability as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, but there are plenty of other Hawks pushing for places against Essendon. Aside from Birchall, who has not played since round eight, the only injury worry is Kaiden Brand (shoulder) who is out for the season. Jack Gunston (dislocated finger) is expected to be fine for the Bombers clash, leaving a host of players battling to break into the side which has won three straight. Ben McEvoy kept the pressure on incumbent ruckmen Jonathon Ceglar and David Hale with a best-on-ground display for Box Hill last Sunday, while James Sicily bagged five majors. Ball magnet Jonathan Simpkin enjoyed another standout match, Brendan Whitecross played his best game for the season, Will Langford was prominent and Matt Spangher showed he's over a hamstring injury by being named in the best for Box Hill – which featured 17 Hawthorn-listed players. It could be a lengthy selection meeting at Waverley this week. – Travis King

At least one spot has opened up for Richmond with Corey Ellis set to miss, and there are options for the match committee, including veteran Chris Newman who was among the best in the VFL at the weekend. Newman has played two games since returning from a groin injury and should be ready for senior action. Others pushing hard are Matt McDonough and Matt Dea, who have enjoyed sustained runs of form at the second level. McDonough had 28 possessions in the VFL, also kicking three goals. Dea has played well for the past two months and deserves an opportunity after taking nine marks across half-back. Sam Lloyd kicked two goals. – Nathan Schmook

Tiger veteran Chris Newman is a chance to return to the senior line-up. Picture: AFL Media

Jack Billings (shin), Dylan Roberton (foot) and Sam Fisher (hamstring) will be tested coming out of the bye to make sure they're ready to resume against the Bulldogs on Saturday night. Captain Nick Riewoldt is expected to play despite tweaking his problematic left knee against Melbourne in round 11 while Paddy McCartin should also be available after copping another head knock on the same weekend in the VFL. With a minuscule injury list, that's all the Saints really have to worry about at the moment, however they will have to make a decision this week regarding which rookie – likely Jack Sinclair or Adam Schneider – is promoted as the mid-season nominated rookie. Their VFL affiliate Sandringham also had a bye on the weekend, but key defender Hugh Goddard has been inching closer to his AFL debut.  - Jennifer Phelan

The Swans reserves also had the bye last week, but Craig Bird, Dean Towers and Brandon Jack were in ripping form before the break, so coach John Longmire has plenty of options if he needs to make changes. Young star Isaac Heeney is fit to return after being out since round six with a knee injury, but he'll return through the NEAFL, while Ben McGlynn is at least another week or two away with a hamstring strain. Key defender Heath Grundy is ready to face Richmond after recovering from a knee injury he suffered against North Melbourne before the bye. - Adam Curley

Stewart Crameri and Dale Morris are likely big inclusions for Saturday night's clash with St Kilda. Crameri missed the win over the Brisbane Lions after rolling his ankle at training last week, while Dale Morris hasn't played a senior game since round three due to an arm injury. Ayce Cordy pressed his claims for a recall after a six goal performance in the VFL, while running defender Shane Biggs (31 possessions) and midfielder Lin Jong (28 possessions) also had days out. Impressive draftees Lukas Webb and Bailey Dale could be the unlucky ones to make way for Crameri and Morris. - Ryan Davidson

The Dogs' backline could be bolstered if Dale Morris returns to face the Saints. Picture: AFL Media