ADELAIDE

Get them in: With Taylor Walker, Tom Lynch and Sam Gibson all chances of returning from injury, it doesn't leave much room for other changes. Half-forward Jordan Gallucci and Wayne Milera – adapting to half-back – are also in the mix.

Under the pump: Darcy Fogarty (2.0 from six disposals on debut) and small forward Lachlan Murphy (1.1 from six disposals) look likely to be squeezed out with Walker and Lynch returning.

Medical room: Walker (foot), Lynch (side strain) and Gibson (hamstring) could return. Curtly Hampton (groin) is set to miss, while Richard Douglas is challenging his one-game suspension.

Verdict: In come Walker, Lynch, Gibson and Gallucci, while Fogarty, Murphy, Hampton and Douglas make way. - Lee Gaskin

BRISBANE

Get them in: At least two players need to come in and after another great showing for the twos, don't be shocked if No.15 draft pick Zac Bailey debuts. Jacob Allison, Tom Cutler and Rhys Mathieson are also in the frame.

Under the pump: After a strong pre-season, Tom Bell struggled against the Saints. He finished with 16 disposals but dropped a couple of easy marks and had moments he won't look back too fondly on.

Medical room: Daniel Rich is a big out with confirmation of a ruptured ankle ligament. Mitch Robinson will also miss through suspension. Young midfield bull Rhys Mathieson needs to pass a test on his hamstring to put his hand up for selection.

Verdict: The forced outs of Robinson and Rich should be the only changes. Two of Bailey, Allison and Cutler will come in. - Michael Whiting

CARLTON

Get them in: David Cuningham showed enough in a VFL practice match against Richmond last Thursday to earn a senior recall, gathering 23 disposals and kicking a goal.

Under the pump: Jack Silvagni had only six disposals in the opening round and needs to have a greater impact on the scoreboard. There is room for improvement in Jacob Weitering's game. 

Medical room: Ruckman Andrew Phillips got through his first match in more than nine months unscathed, finishing with six disposals and 28 hit-outs in limited game-time.

Verdict: If Matthew Kreuzer doesn't come up, Harry McKay may return, with Levi Casboult doing most of the ruckwork. - Howard Kotton

COLLINGWOOD

Get them in: Big man Mason Cox's one-game suspension increases the chances of forward Alex Fasolo returning after three VFL hit-outs. Alternatively, the Pies could promote Matt Scharenberg or Brody Mihocek for a defensive role to enable Darcy Moore to return to attack. Josh Smith's hamstring injury opens the door for little men such as Callum Brown, who was the held-over emergency for round one, Tim Broomhead and Jarryd Blair.

Under the pump: Travis Varcoe. Against the Hawks the veteran speedster managed just seven touches, including just two kicks – his worst return since one of his final games as a Cat in round 20, 2013. His running power will be desperately required against the Giants.

Medical room: Cox's suspension will hurt the Pies' forward structure and provide less relief for ruckman Brodie Grundy, but they should adequately cover the absence of fringe player Smith.

Verdict: The Pies will make at least two enforced changes, the probable inclusions being Fasolo and Callum Brown. - Ben Collins

The Magpies need Alex Fasolo's spark up forward. Picture: AFL Photos

ESSENDON

Get them in: If Essendon loses Zach Merrett to concussion this week, they could replace him with older brother Jackson, who played well in a VFL practice game on the weekend. He's one option, while Mark Baguley and Mason Redman were also named as emergencies last week. There aren't many pure midfielders ready to jump in and replace Merrett if he misses the Freo clash, aside from youngster Dylan Clarke.

Under the pump: Everyone did their bit against the Crows last Friday night, and Essendon doesn't have a raft of options outside of the senior team who should be straight in. Josh Begley was quiet, but sprung to life in the last quarter and kicked the match-sealing goal so should get another crack.

Medical room: Essendon's main concern is Merrett, particularly after three head knocks in the past two months (including in the JLT Community Series and an intraclub). They'll play it cautiously with him. David Myers missed last week with calf tightness so will be tested again this week, likewise Ben McNiece (hamstring).

Verdict: After a strong win over Adelaide last week, expect the Bombers to stick with largely the same line-up against the Dockers. Most of their injury concerns revolve around players who won't be available this week. - Callum Twomey

FREMANTLE

Get them in: Joel Hamling was considered underdone for round one but the premiership full-back should be back to cover one of Essendon's trio of tall forwards.

Under the pump: Danyle Pearce's selection against Port raised eyebrows and the veteran could be on the chopping block after an unconvincing 12-possession display against his former club.

Medical room: The Dockers have a call to make whether Stephen Hill can come straight into the heat of battle against the Bombers after quad and calf setbacks prevented him from playing any warm-up matches.

Verdict: Ross Lyon won't wield the axe, but Hamling should replace Pearce and Hill's imminent return will make Cam Sutcliffe nervous. - Travis King

The Dockers might need to take a risk with Stephen Hill against the Dons. Picture: AFL Photos

 

GEELONG

Get them in: Patrick Dangerfield is a lock after his hamstring troubles and Nakia Cockatoo is ready after two VFL hit-outs. Late out Mark O'Connor (ankle) completed a strong running session on Monday.

Under the pump: Esava Ratugolea fatigued early but an eight-day break will help with Rhys Stanley and Wylie Buzza in contention. Cory Gregson (11 possessions) could be the one to drop out for Cockatoo.

Medical room: With Harry Taylor (foot) to miss, expect Mark Blicavs to move back in a permanent role. Tom Stewart (ankle) and Cam Guthrie (groin) will be monitored. 

Verdict: Dangerfield for Taylor, and Cockatoo to edge out Gregson are the likely changes. It will be hard to drop late inclusion Jordan Murdoch (24 possessions). Ratugolea holds on. - Mitch Cleary

GOLD COAST

Get them in: Aaron Hall (finger) and Sean Lemmens (hamstring) will press their cases, while Jesse Lonergan was strong in the midfield for the twos on Saturday.

Under the pump: A genuine all-around team win ensures any changes won't be due to poor form. If one of the speedsters returns from injury, perhaps Matt Rosa would be nervous, although 26 touches against the Kangas mounts a great case.

Medical room: Hall is a red-hot chance of being available, while the club will likely take a conservative approach with Lemmens and even Peter Wright (calf).

Verdict: The fast Etihad Stadium surface would suit Hall if he proves his fitness. Even then, it would be difficult to leave someone out after a first-up win. - Michael Whiting

GWS

Get them in: Star wingman Tom Scully (knee) was really close to playing in round one, but was given an extra week given the Giants face Collingwood off a six-day break. He'll slot in nicely against the Pies.

Under the pump: If Scully does get up it leaves Leon Cameron with a tough decision, with one of Zac Langdon, Sam Reid or Daniel Lloyd likely to make way, and whoever it is will be desperately unlucky.

Medical room: Scully looms as the only inclusion, but Jacob Hopper (groin) starred in a NEAFL practice match so he shouldn't be too far away.

Verdict: After an 82-point win there'll be zero unforced changes this week, with Scully coming in for last week's debutant Langdon. - Adam Curley

The Giants will be sweating on Tom Scully's fitness. Picture: AFL Photos

HAWTHORN

Get them in: Defender Conor Glass was left out of the team as the 'just in case' emergency last week and, if required, shapes as the likely replacement for Ryan Burton who rolled his ankle against Collingwood on Saturday night.

Under the pump: Taylor Duryea was one scratchy Hawk in an otherwise comfortable win over the Magpies, with some fumbles and turnovers. He is just holding his spot in the best 22 ahead of the fast-coming Glass and Harry Morrison.

Medical room: Burton is no certainty to play, but the lengthy nine-day break gives him the best possible chance. In the worst-case scenario, he will back for the difficult and important Richmond and Melbourne games to follow. Liam Shiels (cramp) and Ben McEvoy (corked thigh) should be right to go, particularly given the long time between games.

Verdict: All things considered, the Hawks played pretty well against the Pies and Alastair Clarkson isn’t one for wholesale changes following wins, so Glass for Burton shapes as the only change for the huge Easter Monday clash with Geelong. - Ashley Browne

MELBOURNE

Get them in: Dom Tyson and Angus Brayshaw were overlooked at the selection table for the game against the Cats, but both are likely to press hard to be included in the team for Saturday's game against the Lions. Sam Frost and Tom Bugg will also be thereabouts.

Under the pump: Second-gamer Corey Maynard was well beaten by Geelong superstar Gary Ablett when he was switched on to him. Mitch Hannan and Jeff Garlett were also quiet in attack, while Josh Wagner looked a little vulnerable in defence.

Medical room: Jack Viney (foot) and Tom McDonald (toe) are still weeks away from returning, which is a blow for Melbourne.

Verdict: Tyson and Brayshaw for Maynard and Hannan seems the likely scenario. Frost could also come into the team to allow Jake Lever to play more as an intercept defender after his poor first showing for the club on Sunday. - Ben Guthrie

NORTH MELBOURNE

Get them in: Majak Daw and Tom Murphy were the match-day emergencies in round one, while Mason Wood and Mitch Hibberd played in the VFL. Taylor Garner (groin) and Declan Mountford (shoulder) might be a chance.

Under the pump: Trent Dumont bounced back to form after an underwhelming JLT Community Series, but did Jed Anderson do enough to keep his spot? Ben Jacobs should get an extended senior run. 

Medical room: Garner (groin) didn't play at any level last week, so will likely again face a fitness test, while Mountford (shoulder) and Alex Morgan (calf) played in a VFL practice match on Saturday. 

Verdict: Typically, you'd expect a team to bring fresh legs in after playing in heavy conditions, but it was the same story for the VFL team. It's hard to imagine Wood staying in state league ranks. – Marc McGowan

North could bring last week's emergency Majak Daw in to face the Saints. Picture: AFL Photos

PORT ADELAIDE

Get them in: All Australian forward Robbie Gray returns from a one-game suspension. Winger Karl Amon is set for a recall with Jared Polec in doubt with a groin injury.

Under the pump: A big round one win coupled with a couple of injuries means changes will be kept to a minimum. Why change a winning side?

Medical room: All Australian ruckman Paddy Ryder will miss 5-6 weeks with an Achilles injury. Winger Jared Polec reported groin soreness, and given his injury history, he's unlikely to play against Sydney.

Verdict: Justin Westhoff will do the bulk of the ruck work with assistance from Dougal Howard and Charlie Dixon. Gray goes forward with some midfield time, and Amon replaces Polec. - Lee Gaskin

RICHMOND

Get them in: Bachar Houli will play after missing round one with a calf issue, while Dion Prestia is rated a chance to return from a pre-season hamstring problem.  

Under the pump: Reece Conca had 16 touches against the Blues and made a few mistakes, Corey Ellis didn't set the world on fire with 12 but he did contribute the second most one-percenters for the team, so he might hang on. Shai Bolton cramped late in the game after just six disposals.

Medical room: The Tigers don't have many on their injury list, although Trent Cotchin's Sunday night trip to hospital to seek treatment for a migraine would have had a few worried. The captain and Houli have been deemed fit to play, while Prestia needs to press his case at training. Shaun Hampson and Nathan Drummond are set to resume in a VFL practice match this Friday after long lay-offs.

Verdict: With Houli set to play, either Conca or Corey Ellis appear the logical omissions. Prestia will play in the VFL practice match and be available next week if he gets through. Sam Lloyd was held over from last week's VFL hit-out and is available if they want to add another midfielder to the mix, while a Jack Higgins debut isn't far away. - Jennifer Phelan

Bachar Houli will be pestering Damien Hardwick to play this Thursday night. Picture: AFL Photos

ST KILDA

Get them in: Big man Rowan Marshall and tough nut Mav Weller didn't play in Sandringham's practice match against Williamstown last Saturday as the emergencies on hand for St Kilda's clash against Brisbane, while onballer Luke Dunstan and draftee Nick Coffield faced the Seagulls.

Under the pump: Ruckman Billy Longer would have been disappointed with his round-one effort after his Lions counterpart Stefan Martin was one of Brisbane's best.

Medical room: None of the Saints in their best 22 are facing major injury concerns.

Verdict: Expect coach Alan Richardson to back in the side that won last week. Bringing Marshall in for Longer is worth considering, but the incumbent deserves another chance. - Dinny Navaratnam

SYDNEY

Get them in: Star midfielder Dan Hannebery (calf) got through a NEAFL scratch match on the weekend, so he's set to return if he can get through training ahead of round two.

Under the pump: Youngster Oliver Florent had a quiet night against West Coast with just six possessions, so he's the one likely to make way for Hannebery.

Medical room: Tall forward Sam Reid was a late withdrawal from last week's match with a tight hamstring, and he'll need to train strongly on Wednesday and Friday to prove he's right to face Port Adelaide.

Verdict: Given Reid's history of soft tissue injuries the Swans will be wary of bringing him in, so they might give him another week, and bring Hannebery in for Florent. - Adam Curley

WEST COAST

Get them in: Mark Hutchings was stiff to be left out against Sydney and it wouldn't surprise if the Eagles dropped a defender to bring in another midfielder against the Bulldogs' quality engine room.

Under the pump: Jackson Nelson and Will Schofield were called in for the Swans clash and could be deemed surplus to requirements, especially if Tom Cole is available after his father's funeral.

Medical room: Willie Rioli is building his minutes after an injury-interrupted pre-season and will play sooner rather than later, but he probably didn't do enough with only seven touches for East Perth on Saturday to make his debut in round two.

Verdict: Expect the Eagles to stick fat with most of the 22 who took it up to the Swans, although Hutchings has to be a big show after his excellent tagging job on Jason Johannisen last season. - Travis King

Tagger Mark Hutchings could get the nod for West Coast against the Bulldogs. Picture: AFL Photos

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Get them in: Mitch Wallis is a like-for-like replacement for Tom Liberatore after his good mate ruptured his ACL against Greater Western Sydney. Jack Redpath is available after serving a suspension and his likely inclusion should give some structure to the Dogs' malfunctioning forward line for the clash with West Coast. Utility Lukas Webb and playmaker Caleb Daniel should both be in contention to replace running defender Hayden Crozier (knee). Goalsneak Tory Dickson should as be considered to help the Dogs' scoring woes.

Under the pump: Most of the team should be feeling nervous after the thrashing from the Giants, but with two injuries to cover, don't expect coach Luke Beveridge to make too many unforced changes.

Medical room: Losing Liberatore is a savage blow, while Crozier's absence for the next month will also hit hard. Uncertainty still remains around when Liam Picken will be available from concussion.

Verdict: Beveridge hasn't been afraid to drop big names to make a statement in the past, but he's unlikely wield the axe after the pummelling from the Giants. Expect Wallis and Redpath to come in for Liberatore and Crozier. – Ryan Davidson