WHO IS a chance to play in round 19?
In this week's In the Mix, brought to you by the Toyota WorkHorse Range, we find the players who are giving their selectors plenty of food for thought.
Who's going out, who's sore, who is under the pump? Our reporters attempt to pick all the R19 ins. Check it out.
Get them in: The Crows didn't have many standouts in the SANFL. Rookie-listed midfielder Patrick Wilson had a team-high 32 disposals and veterans Richard Douglas (27) and Bryce Gibbs (24) were solid, but the Crows are lacking in forward pressure. Jordan Gallucci (15 touches) and Tyson Stengle (0.4) were OK without standing out. First-year defender Lachlan Sholl (23 disposals at 92 per cent efficiency) could be the bolter, while key forward Darcy Fogarty looked better with 16 touches and a goal.
Under the pump: Co-captain Taylor Walker and veteran small forward Eddie Betts kicked one goal between them in the 21-point loss to Essendon, but the lack of pressure was most concerning. Kyle Hartigan, Lachlan Murphy, Rory Atkins and David Mackay are on the fringe.
Medical room: Walker (elbow) and forward Tom Lynch (corked quad) should be available.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Crows coach Don Pyke will back his players in. Unchanged. - Lee Gaskin
Could Taylor Walker be dropped? Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Plenty of strong NEAFL performances, led by 43 disposals from Corey Lyons. Nick Robertson, Lewy Taylor and Ben Keays also impressed in the Lions' 13th straight win.
Under the pump: Youngster Zac Bailey still looks a little rusty as he shuffles between half-back and the wing. He's ever-so-slightly improving though and should be persisted with.
Medical room: No new injuries for the Lions – they remain arguably the healthiest list in the competition.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: If Harris Andrews misses through suspension, the Lions have a decision to make. In-form Ryan Lester can come back as the third tall defender, pushing Marcus Adams into a primary defensive role, or young keys Jack Payne and Sam Skinner could be considered. Lester deserves a recall, particularly with Adams' improved form last week. If Andrews beats his charge, the team should remain unchanged. – Michael Whiting
Ryan Lester could make his return if Harris Andrews is suspended. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Young defender Angus Schumacher continued to push for an AFL debut with another strong performance in the VFL, winning 20 disposals in Sunday's loss to Williamstown. Alex Fasolo was also impressive with 20 disposals, 10 marks and a goal.
Under the pump: The Blues might have to tinker with their forward set-up, given a number of regulars are on the verge of returning from injury. The likes of Josh Deluca, Darcy Lang and Will Setterfield could make way, depending on how many return.
Medical room: The Blues will be hopeful Paddy Dow returns from an illness, while David Cuningham could also push for his place in the team after missing five weeks with a knee problem. Charlie Curnow (knee) and Mitch McGovern (conditioning) will be touch-and-go.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: A lot will depend on fitness tests later this week. At the very least, the Blues will be hopeful Dow and Cuningham come back into the side. - Riley Beveridge
Paddy Dow appears likely to return after he was a late withdrawal last week. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Small forward Jamie Elliott could return against Richmond at the MCG on Friday night, and other candidates could include defenders Tyson Goldsack, Matt Scharenberg and Jack Madgen, along with midfielders Tyler Brown, Josh Daicos and Rupert Wills.
Under the pump: In the loss to Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, beanpole forward Mason Cox was held goalless for the first time this year after having just four touches – a two-year low for the 'American Pie'.
Medical room: Elliott (general soreness) and runner Chris Mayne (knee) face fitness tests but defender James Aish (shoulder) has already been ruled out, while fellow backmen Darcy Moore (hamstring), Levi Greenwood (hamstring) and John Noble (calf) will miss at least another week.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Elliott and Goldsack to replace Ben Crocker and Aish respectively. - Ben Collins
Tyson Goldsack is in line for his first senior game of 2019. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Ruckman Zac Clarke is over his illness from last week so seems likely to resume duties in the senior side. The club's VFL side had the bye last round, but Jayden Laverde (who was rested last week), Josh Begley and Brayden Ham are possible inclusions.
Under the pump: The Bombers put in a strong all-round performance last week. Team balance could see defender Michael Hartley's spot in some jeopardy, but he played well last week in his first game at senior level this season.
Medical room: There's doubt over Dyson Heppell's fitness, whose sore foot looks set to make him a week-by-week proposition for the rest of the season. Orazio Fantasia missed last week with a hip injury and is no sure thing to return.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Clarke returns most likely at the expense of Hartley, although Hartley's presence does allow the Bombers to use Cale Hooker in attack. Begley or Laverde to come in if Heppell is ruled out. Conor McKenna will also need to be replaced. - Callum Twomey
Zac Clarke will be a welcome boost for the Dons' ruck stocks. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: The Dockers have their fingers crossed superstar Nat Fyfe (elbow) and Stephen Hill (quad) are available to resume against the Western Bulldogs in a must-win game for their finals ambitions. Bailey Banfield couldn't have done any more in the WAFL after 30 touches, 12 tackles and two goals.
Under the pump: Enigmatic forward Cam McCarthy might be feeling the heat after just five touches against Sydney, but Brett Bewley and dropped-then-recalled Ethan Hughes might have to make way depending on Fyfe and Hill's fitness.
Medical room: There is a watch on big man Rory Lobb after he dislocated his shoulder against Sydney in the dying seconds against the Swans. If he misses, Aaron Sandilands looks more likely to travel to Marvel Stadium.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Tough to predict at this stage but if Fyfe and Hill are fit they come in, probably for Hughes and Bewley. Sandilands could be rested for another runner if Lobb is good to go. - Travis King
Fyfe would be a huge inclusion for the Dockers. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Quinton Narkle (30 disposals, two goals) dazzled in the VFL. Charlie Constable (29) was strong and Scott Selwood is "very, very close" according to Chris Scott, however Sam Menegola (27) might need one more at VFL level after his first game back in 11 weeks. Zac Smith was the carryover emergency, while Ryan Abbott (50 hitouts, 21 disposals) couldn't have done much more.
Under the pump: James Parsons didn't set the world on fire in his first game back and has pressure for his spot, along with Tom Atkins. Chris Scott keeps hinting at a return for Smith which would put heat on Rhys Stanley. The Cats have a decision to make in defence which could force Jed Bews out.
Medical room: Brandan Parfitt remains in doubt with his ongoing back injury and the flight won't help. Jack Henry is in line after his rest. The Cats are adamant Gary Ablett will go right through, but Harry Taylor may need a breather.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Narkle for Parsons and Henry for Bews or Taylor. – Mitch Cleary
Quinton Narkle was one hard man to tackle in our VFL win
— Geelong Cats (@GeelongCats) July 22, 2019
30 touches
6 clearances
6 inside 50s
7 score involvements
2 goals#StandProud #WeAreGeelong pic.twitter.com/ESu5rpASTh
Get them in: After a week's suspension, midfield hard-nut Anthony Miles is ready to return. George Horlin-Smith and Brad Scheer impressed in the NEAFL.
Under the pump: A much better showing from the Suns last week. Jacob Dawson and Jesse Joyce were a little quiet, though.
Medical room: After some solid form, Will Brodie's hamstring injury will keep him out for the rest of the season. Lachie Weller will return from illness. Jack Bowes and Ben Ainsworth are available to return, but have both missed long stretches.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Miles is a straight midfield swap for Brodie, while Weller has to return, most likely at the expense of Dawson. – Michael Whiting
Will Brodie will miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Co-captain Phil Davis was a late withdrawal against Collingwood so could be a chance to face Port Adelaide. Jackson Hately (29 possessions, nine tackles), Jye Caldwell (22 and eight) and Nick Shipley (25 and five) all starred in the Giants' NEAFL loss to Brisbane, while Aiden Bonar had a quiet day playing mainly forward but still laid 10 tackles.
Under the pump: Leon Cameron went with two ruckmen last week but if he doesn't try that tactic again, Dawson Simpson could be the man to go.
Medical room: Davis pulled up sore from training the day before the game so he's one to monitor this week, while star midfielder Josh Kelly (calf) is likely still at least a week away.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: The twin towers worked against the Pies, but Port is more mobile in the ruck, so Simpson makes way for Caldwell to make his long-awaited debut. - Adam Curley
Will this be the week Jye Caldwell makes his AFL debut? Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: There's a spot up for grabs since Jarman Impey tore his right ACL, and Teia Miles may have timed his run perfectly with a 30-disposal VFL performance. Other defensive options – depending on how the Hawks reshuffle – include Conor Glass, David Mirra and Kaiden Brand. They could instead move Isaac Smith or Ricky Henderson to a half-back role, and promote ball-winner James Cousins. Are they willing to include Jon Ceglar alongside Ben McEvoy and Mitch Lewis against Brisbane?
Under the pump: Conor Nash has improved his aerial contest work, but his offensive game isn't quite flowing yet.
Medical room: Impey will have a knee reconstruction this week and his career-best season is over. Late withdrawal Grant Birchall (soreness) still has Thursday's main session to prove his fitness, but he wasn't moving freely on Tuesday and looks in doubt. Ex-Saint Darren Minchington hurt himself again in the VFL on Sunday, just as he was challenging for a senior place. Jack Scrimshaw (knee), Dylan Moore (groin), Harry Morrison (back spasms), Ryan Schoenmakers (calf) and project ruckman Ned Reeves remain in the rehab group.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Miles in for Impey. - Marc McGowan
Who will take Jarman Impey's spot in the Hawthorn line-up? Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: In the VFL, Jay Kennedy Harris had 21 disposals, 12 tackles and booted a goal. Speedster Oskar Baker finished with 19 and Charlie Spargo laid seven tackles. Tim Smith picked up 14 disposals, 11 tackles and a goal.
Under the pump: Jay Lockhart was barely sighted in last Sunday's loss to West Coast and Braydon Preuss might come under the pump after a quiet outing.
Medical room: A few concerns here. Jack Viney needs to overcome concussion, Steven May had a tight hamstring in the loss to West Coast but returned to the field and Harrison Petty finished with a sore left ankle. Sam Weideman might be available after missing the past fortnight with a calf issue.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: If Petty isn't fit but Weideman is, that's a straight swap. Otherwise, Weideman would replace Preuss. Corey Maynard could be on standby for Viney. Kennedy Harris for Lockhart. - Dinny Navaratnam
Melbourne will be hoping Jack Viney is available. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Luke Davies-Uniacke won 25 disposals and kicked a goal in a midfield-forward role in the VFL on Sunday, and has put together a strong fortnight. Others to watch are defenders Sam Wright – who was good again – and Ben McKay. Could Taylor Garner be a shock inclusion, fresh from his club suspension, after being held out of the VFL last weekend?
Under the pump: Nathan Hrovat looks the most vulnerable, especially with Davies-Uniacke pushing for a return.
Medical room: Scott Thompson underwent surgery after suffering a ruptured testicle in Saturday night's loss to Brisbane but could still play this weekend. Shaun Higgins (AC joint) and Mason Wood (quad) successfully returned in the same game. Tom Murphy (ankle) resumed in the VFL and played three quarters, as did Majak Daw (pelvis/hips) in his third match back. Nick Larkey will continue to play before undergoing minor post-season heart surgery, after being diagnosed with Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), but Ben Jacobs' (head/neck) season is over. Dom Tyson (calf) needs to pass a fitness test to return in the VFL after an interrupted campaign.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Davies-Uniacke comes in for Hrovat, while most likely Wright, or McKay if the Roos want a key backman, should replace Thompson if he can't play through the pain of his injury. - Marc McGowan
Luke Davies-Uniacke looks set to earn a recall after strong VFL form. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Ruckman Paddy Ryder could be recalled for Saturday night's clash with Greater Western Sydney to take on the Giants' twin towers, Shane Mumford and Dawson Simpson. Peter Ladhams will also be considered. Midfielder Willem Drew pushed his case with 31 disposals in the SANFL. Defender Jarrod Lienert will be considered to help handle the Giants' three tall forwards.
Under the pump: Tagger Cam Sutcliffe could face pressure to keep his spot, as will Steven Motlop and Sam Powell-Pepper.
Medical room: Defender Dan Houston will need to pass concussion tests this week, while co-captain Ollie Wines is an outside chance to return from a fractured thumb.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Two changes – Ryder and Drew for Sutcliffe and Powell-Pepper. Dougal Howard to play in defence to take on the Giants' tall forward. - Lee Gaskin
Paddy Ryder is a chance to make his first senior appearance since round 13. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Interesting times at selection for Richmond. Josh Caddy played in a defensive wing role and only for three quarters, given the five-day break between the VFL and AFL. Toby Nankervis played a half in the VFL in his return from an adductor injury, while Kamdyn McIntosh did not play at either level with the quick turnaround.
Under the pump: It was an excellent team performance by the Tigers, although raw disposal numbers may have been boosted by some over-handballing. With Nankervis edging closer to a return, Ivan Soldo may struggle to hold his spot. Liam Baker struggled at times in his new role behind the ball but looked better as the match progressed.
Medical room: No injured players are closing in on a return at AFL level, although mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett (finger) is a chance to play his first game for the club in the VFL.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: If 'Nank' is right to take on Brodie Grundy, Soldo should make way given Mabior Chol's ability forward. McIntosh having the week off indicates he's likely to come back in, with Jack Graham potentially the unlucky one. Baker for Caddy if he's picked to return. - Sarah Black
Could Josh Caddy return to the line-up in a new role? Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Limited to three quarters for Sandringham after a break from playing to deal with mental illness, four-time best and fairest Jack Steven had 21 disposals. Defender Brandon White was prolific with 31 disposals and Bailey Rice had 27.
Under the pump: If Melbourne goes with one tall up forward, which is a chance considering Braydon Preuss was poor against West Coast and Harrison Petty (left ankle) and Sam Weideman (calf) are nursing injuries, Nathan Brown could be left out.
Medical room: Midfielder Dan Hannebery is unlikely with a hamstring issue and Josh Battle isn't too far away as he recovers from a medial ligament strain in his right knee.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: If Battle is fit, he takes Brown's spot. The veteran could miss anyway if the Dees go with one tall, and the Saints name White. Steven comes in if he's ready, potentially for Doulton Langlands or Nick Hind - Dinny Navaratnam
Four-time best and fairest Jack Steven at training. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Young defender Jordan Dawson will return from suspension to give the Swans some drive from half back, which they missed against Fremantle. Veterans Kieren Jack and Daniel Menzel had a NEAFL bye so will be fresh if called upon.
Under the pump: Ryley Stoddart had a quiet night in his first game for the year so is under pressure to hold his spot.
Medical room: Superstar forward Lance Franklin (hamstring) will miss at least another two games, while ruckman Callum Sinclair had season-ending shoulder surgery on Monday.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Dawson in for Stoddart. - Adam Curley
Jordan Dawson is available after serving his suspension. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Skipper Shannon Hurn was a late withdrawal from the Melbourne win due to calf soreness but is hopeful of being back to face North Melbourne. The backline has been shaky at times recently and whether experienced defender Will Schofield can win a recall remains to be seen.
Under the pump: Debutant Francis Watson impressed on debut with 14 touches at 86 per cent efficiency but he or Jackson Nelson might be squeezed out by Hurn's return.
Medical room: Star backman Jeremy McGovern should be OK after suffering a standard ankle sprain but with only a six-day break he appears less than a certainty.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: Hurn for Watson in the only change. - Travis King
Skipper Hurn should return for the Eagles. Picture: AFL Photos
Get them in: Father-son draftee Rhylee West was best on ground in Footscray's 37-point win over Sandringham. Returning forward Billy Gowers started slowly but worked his way into the match and finished with two goals. Premiership defenders Dale Morris and Fletcher Roberts were rocks in defence for Footscray and gives the Bulldogs options to combat Fremantle's tall forwards this week.
Under the pump: It was the Dogs' first loss in a month but with the experience in reserve there will be some changes. There will be pressure on defender Zaine Cordy, while Luke Beveridge lamented how easily the Saints were able to move out of defence, so the spots held by Roarke Smith and Bailey Smith, who combined for just one tackle on the weekend, could also come under the microscope.
Medical room: Josh Schache sat out the last quarter after suffering a concussion but he remains in the mix to face the Dockers this week. Matt Suckling received treatment on his hip during the loss to the Saints but played out the game. Ed Richards was rested last week with hamstring tightness but is expected to be available for this week.
Toyota WorkHorse Verdict: West, Morris and Richards to come in for Cordy, Suckling and Roarke Smith. - Josh Schonafinger
Son of a gun: Rhylee West celebrates a goal for Footscray. Picture: AFL Photos
