Geelong v Essendon
After just failing a fitness test last week, Harry Taylor is set to return from knee soreness while Mathew Stokes is in doubt after being subbed out of the loss to Gold Coast with an ankle complaint. Hamish McIntosh was sighted in a moon boot on Sunday afternoon and this may pave the way for Dawson Simpson to return from his week off. Strong VFL form from Darcy Lang, Jesse Stringer and Brad Hartman could see Stokes' replacement come from the trio.
Paul Chapman will return to face his old side after a week on the sidelines and should replace the suspended Jason Winderlich. But the Bombers could be without Jake Carlisle, who is still suffering from knee tendonitis. Utility Kyle Hardingham snagged three goals in the VFL to put his hand up for selection while Jackson Merrett made a successful return from injury to put himself in selection discussion. Youngsters Kurt Aylett and Nick O'Brien were also were performed at VFL level. Michael Hibberd will also be given every chance to prove his fitness after taking a nasty knock to his shin in the win over Adelaide. Although Hibberd played out the match, coach Mark Thompson hasn’t been overly confident he will take on the Cats.
Hawthorn v Gold Coast
The Hawks' horror injury list is starting to shorten with ruckman Ben McEvoy a certainty to come in after kicking five goals in the VFL. David Hale or Jonathan Ceglar may be given the chop for the former Saints big man, although Ceglar’s been in some impressive form. Jonathan Simpkin and Alex Woodward starred for Box Hill and will put pressure on Ben Ross, who was last week's substitute against Collingwood. Ben Stratton is likely to be kept in cotton wool for another week after making his return from injury in the VFL.
Livewire forward Brandon Matera is expected to miss two weeks after hurting his groin in the win over Geelong on Saturday. Injury-plagued midfielder Jesse Lonergan could replace Matera after completing three successful games in the NEAFL. Ruckman Daniel Gorringe (Achilles) and utility Karmichael Hunt (knee) have recovered from their injuries but are likely to ease back into senior football in the reserves.
St. Kilda v Richmond
Veteran midfielder Leigh Montagna is expected to be available for selection after being a late withdrawal before the Eagles match last week. This addition is offset by the news that Lenny Hayes could miss with soreness. Sam Dunell (best on ground) and Adam Schneider (33 disposals) will be discussed as inclusions after dominating in the VFL. Key position utility Rhys Stanley is another option after performing well up forward in the reserves while Tom Lee’s position in the team will again be considered.
Aaron Edwards had a tough night against Sydney last week and may be in the gun along with ruckman Shaun Hampson as Ty Vickery potentially returns from suspension, while the Big O, Orren Stephenson, may even be in the mix after a big VFL performance. Daniel Jackson (hip flexor) and Chris Newman (groin) have recovered from injuries and could make the side, with Matt Dea a potential out. Matt Thomas didn’t get many touches last weekend but he was the sub and it was only his first game back in the team.
Fremantle v West Coast
The Dockers may be unlikely to make too many changes after four straight wins. Matt de Boer may return from injury but could need a run at Peel while Anthony Morabito was the WAFL player of the week but Ross Lyon has already said he’s unlikely to play in the Derby. Tom Sheridan may also be in the mix after being omitted from last week. The one player who may be in the gun is Lee Spurr after he was subbed out last weekend for Clancee Pearce in the win over Brisbane. Pearce will probably retain his spot in the side after only being promoted last week. Zac Clarke is also in doubt with knee soreness but if he misses then Jon Griffin will return for his first match after suffering an ACL injury last year.
For the Eagles, Dan Cox looks likely to return after being rested for a fortnight. Even though he’s been in good form for West Coast, this may mean Scott Lycett returns to the WAFL. Xavier Ellis’ body also needs to be managed and he may be in some doubt after being subbed out last weekend. This may open the door for Mark Hutchings or Patrick McGinnity to play.
Sydney v Greater Western Sydney
The Swans will lose Rhyce Shaw for three weeks with an ankle injury. Zac Jones may come into the side for Shaw as a starter, while Gary Rohan could be promoted to the senior squad. Kurt Tippett is also in line to return and may take the place of Tom Derickx who had a quiet night in the win over Richmond last Friday. With Mike Pyke back into the side, Derickx may be the one to miss.
Having posted two wins in a row, GWS coach Leon Cameron won’t be looking at too many changes. If Jeremy Cameron has recovered from an ankle injury then he will take Tom Boyd’s place in the side while Tom Scully may return after suffering hamstring issues. Tom Bugg had ankle soreness last week and may come out while Kristian Jacksch and Nathan Wilson will also be in the gun.
Brisbane v North Melbourne
Midfielder James Aish will probably return after being rested for last week’s big loss to Fremantle while Ash McGrath has played two matches in the NEAFL. Ryan Lester and Brent Moloney may also be a chance of returning to the midfield as well, although Justin Leppitsch probably won’t want to make too many changes in one hit, especially as a few other sides have been belted by the Dockers too. Darcy Gardiner suffered a corked quad last week before being subbed out of the game and could be a chance to drop out, while Tom Cutler could come out and there may even be a chance Marco Paparone is rested. Paparone has been impressive at times this season but didn’t get too many touches last week, albeit in a forward line that was starved for inside 50s.
North Melbourne will have to make one change after losing Robin Nahas to a serious shoulder injury. Liam Anthony should be his likely replacement. Majak Daw also gunned it for Werribee last weekend but may find it hard to displace Ben Brown. The Roos will also wait until the last moment to see whether Andrew Swallow’s knee comes good for this weekend.
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne
The Dogs lose Daniel Giansiracusa to a two-week suspension while skipper Ryan Griffen will be touch and go after a recurrence of an early-season back injury. Griffen has been in the wars the last few games and this may be a good opportunity to give him a rest before really hitting the rest of the season hard. Mitch Honeychurch and Lachie Hunter could potentially come into the side for Gia while rookie Jack Redpath has been good in the VFL and may be considered. With Jarrad Grant coming off last week after copping a stray elbow to the nose, Redpath could be a chance to play for him after booting four goals for Footscray last weekend.
There looks to be a few changes in store for the Dees this weekend. Jordie McKenzie is suspended and Daniel Cross will miss up to six weeks with a broken leg. They’re big shoes to fill but former Docker Viv Michie has been in good form for Casey while Dan Nicholson will come under consideration. Christian Salem had a quiet week against North following his late heroics the week before in the win over Essendon, but Jay Kennedy-Harris could take his position if he’s rested.
Adelaide v Port Adelaide
In a SANFL return from a broken jaw, utility Tom Lynch impressed with 31 disposals and eight marks to put his hand up for senior selection. Matt Crouch (35 possessions) was also impressive in the reserves. Charlie Cameron (groin) will need to pass a fitness test to prove his availability while Brad Crouch has completed a one-match SANFL ban. David Mackay could be omitted after being subbed off in the third quarter with only six touches against Essendon last week.
The Power should be boosted by the return of key midfielder Hamish Hartlett while Dom Cassisi (knee) and Jarman Impey (soreness) will be available subject to fitness tests. Aaron Young wore the green vest against the Western Bulldogs and could come out if Ken Hinkley decides to bring in Jake Neade (19 disposals) or Ben Newton (23 disposals), who both impressed in the SANFL. Angus Monfries position is under threat after having only three kicks in last week's match.
Collingwood v Carlton
Three key players could return for the Magpies with Steele Sidebottom a certainty to be picked after serving a three-game suspension while Nick Maxwell (calf) and Tyson Goldsack (knee) will need to pass fitness tests. Young midfielder Tom Langdon is likely to miss after being concussed in the second quarter against the Hawks. Tim Broomhead was subbed on for Langdon and may find his position under threat. If Maxwell proves fit, utility Paul Seedsman could be the unlucky man to make way.
It's likely Mick Malthouse will wield the axe after last week's loss to Greater Western Sydney with Dennis Armfield in the firing line and defender Simon White to miss with a knee injury. A late withdrawal last week, captain Marc Murphy will boost a Carlton midfield that could also feature youngster Nick Graham, who was impressive in the VFL. Tom Bell (finger) could be in the selection mix if he appeases the medical staff.