Carlton v Geelong
Carlton look likely to lose Chris Yarran to a calf injury, although Denis Armfield could potentially come in and replace him. Another player that may be in line could be Jeff Garlett. According to Mick Malthouse, Garlett was on the cusp of selection for the game against Gold Coast before a 5am scuffle on his birthday saw him taken off the selection table. But Garlett’s honesty in coming forward straight away may be rewarded here. It will be interesting to see if Irishman Ciaran Sheehan keeps his spot in the side after earning 13 possessions and five tackles in his first game.
The Cats have a major worry with Steve Johnson, despite the mercurial midfielder being cleared of damage on his sore foot on Wednesday. The sight of Johnson on crutches, even if he had been cleared, is hardly confidence inspiring given the game is just two days away. Jordan Murdoch and George Horlin-Smith had relatively quiet nights against the Dockers but Chris Scott probably won’t make too many changes to a winning side. Jordan Schroeder may be a chance to come in for Johnson.
Sydney v St Kilda
The Swans are almost at full strength for St Kilda this week, with defender Nick Smith one of the last pieces to slot into the puzzle for Sydney if he is fit for this weekend’s clash. Smith was a late withdrawal last week and his return could force Jeremy Laidler back onto the emergency list. But with the Saints hardly expecting to be a challenge for Sydney, do they try and rest a few players or do they keep the foot to the floor in a bid to guarantee a top-two spot before the final round.
St Kilda have lost Jack Billings (hamstring) and Josh Bruce (shin) from last week’s side, with Jarryn Geary and Tom Simpkin the likely replacements. If the Saints go like-for-like then Simpkin is the obvious choice to replace Bruce but St Kilda have also said they want to give Spencer White a debut in the last three games and he may be a chance. However, playing your debut against the Swans at the SCG will be a baptism of fire if ever there was one. Both White and Trent Dennis-Lane kicked five goals in the VFL last week but whether TDL is given a farewell against his old club is debatable.
Gold Coast v Port Adelaide
Steven May will drop out of the Gold Coast side with a hamstring injury, with Clay Cameron or the retiring Tom Murphy potential replacements. Michael Rischitelli may also be in doubt after suffering a corked thigh early in last week’s loss to Carlton, meaning Luke Russell could be a chance to come in.
Matt White and Aaron Young could both potentially return to the side, with Kane Mitchell one possibility to make way after an up-and-down campaign. Don’t be surprised to see Jasper Pittard dropped entirely from the squad if Jackson Trengove is completely fit and firing after one game back.
Essendon v West Coast
Essendon look likely to throw caution to the wind in this clash, given it could be a showdown for seventh or eighth on the ladder. Skipper Jobe Watson looks likely to return from his torn hip flexor injury along with another big name in Michael Hibberd (hamstring). Last week’s debutant Orazio Fantasia and last week’s sub Elliott Kavanagh will be the prime candidates to be omitted.
West Coast look likely to make just one change to the side that smashed Collingwood last week, with Xavier Ellis out with his shoulder injury. The Eagles may have a handy replacement in Mark LeCras up their sleeves if he’s overcome calf issues. LeCras likes playing the Bombers too.
Collingwood v Brisbane
The Pies shot themselves in the foot again with a shocker against West Coast and one assumes Nathan Buckley will be savage at selection after such an insipid effort. The Pies look likely to bring back Dane Swan from a foot injury while Brodie Grundy’s time in the VFL may be at an end after a strong performance last weekend. Tom Langdon was apparently ‘managed’ last week but we’re still not sure if that’s cover for him having a meningitis scare after the Port game. If Langdon is fit and available then he should return as well. The players to make way could be Tony Armstrong, Sam Dwyer (a possible hamstring injury) and maybe Jesse White who disappointed last week. Clinton Young returned to the team as a sub last week but may also be in the gun once again.
It will be interesting to see how Justin Leppitsch responds to last week’s 105-point thrashing from Adelaide. Claye Beams, Ryan Lester and even Ash McGrath could potentially come back into the side. James Aish appears to be struggling and may need a rest while Jon Freeman had a tough time in his debut last week, Dan Merrett may also be on borrowed time too after struggling for a few weeks.
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions
Pies midfield gun Dane Swan is expected to make his return from a foot injury. Last week's hiding in the west means spots will become open. That's good news for Brodie Grundy who will be recalled from the VFL. Veteran Luke Ball will be hoping he's in that category too. Patrick Karnezis will also be considered.
Justin Leppitsch generally keeps team changes to a minimum. However last week's thumping against Adelaide will surely see a few under-performers dropped.
Young backman Justin Clarke was subbed out with one possession to his name, and Jonathan Freeman and Michael Close will be nervous as well.
Veteran forward Ash McGrath and fringe players Ryan Lester and Claye Beams will be hoping for recalls.
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
Lachlan Hansen (hip) and Levi Greenwood (leg) were late withdrawals before North’s win over GWS. Both are expected to return.
The Roos are keen to play Daniel Wells before the finals, but it might not be this week. The veteran copped a knock to the shin in the VFL last weekend, meaning there are not enough miles in his legs just yet.
For the Dogs, running defender Jason Johannisen will be a direct swap for Easton Wood, whose impressive season has been ended by a hand injury.
Consistent VFL performer Jarrad Grant deserves a game following his five-goal effort for Footscray but there may not be a spot for him.
Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney
The Demons are struggling for depth at the moment, Christian Salem was the only positive in Casey's 108-point VFL loss. Cameron Pedersen has recovered from a broken nose.
Rohan Bail will be nervous about holding his spot.
GWS are typically volatile with team changes at this time of the year. Jeremy Cameron, Tom Scully and Lachie Whitfield have each been put in cotton wool.
Don't be surprised if veterans Stephen Gilham and Jonathan Giles are given a crack before the end of the season.
Fremantle v Hawthorn
He's missed most of the year, but Michael Walters looms as the big-name inclusion at the Dockers. It's a crucial match for Fremantle, and given it's a home game, we think Ross Lyon will pull the trigger on one of the AFL's most effective small forwards. Luke McPharlin is injured again and that leaves Alex Silvagni and Alex Pearce fighting for his spot. The return of Garrick Ibbotson (back) could also be discussed.
The Hawks have to replace the suspended Jarryd Roughead. Jack Gunston is not ready to return from a knee injury so Tim O'Brien might get his chance. But we think Hawthorn will recall the versatile Jonathon Ceglar to share ruck duties, allowing David Hale to spend more time forward.
AFL Team Whispers Round 21
