The club will again be without Rory Sloane for an extended period, after it was confirmed he re-fractured the cheekbone that saw him miss three games earlier in the year. The Crows won't be able to call on Brad Crouch as a replacement either, who continued his horror run with injuries in the SANFL at the weekend. Crouch heard a crack in his foot – the same one that has caused so much trouble – and will need further assessment. The door is then wide open for Jarryd Lyons to return after be collected 29 possessions (11 clearances) and laid eight tackles in the SANFL. Ricky Henderson played well in his second game back from a back injury and could also be in line for a recall, while Jake Lever successfully made it through his return from an ankle injury. - Harry Thring 

After a strong showing against Adelaide, it's hard to see Justin Leppitsch making too many changes for the imposing trip to Fremantle on Sunday. Daniel Merrett is available for selection after playing his first game back from a 12-week hamstring injury in the NEAFL at the weekend, but it seems a risk to expose him on the big Domain Stadium surface first up. Stefan Martin's suspension means Matthew Leuenberger will take the sole ruck duties, while Sam Mayes kicked five goals in the reserves and is a strong chance to return. - Michael Whiting

Carlton may have to find replacements for forward Troy Menzel and defender Sam Docherty for Saturday night's game against the Western Bulldogs. Menzel was subbed off in last Sunday's victory over Gold Coast because of a persistent knee injury and although he has been cleared of any structural damage he may struggle to come up with only a six-day break. Docherty finished the game with hamstring soreness and may have a slight strain. But the Blues are likely to regain key defender Michael Jamison, who pulled up well from his second straight VFL appearance last Sunday after overcoming a calf injury. The Blues vice-captain played most of the game against Frankston and finished with 18 touches. Blaine Boekhorst, the Blues' top pick in last year’s NAB AFL Draft, stood out with 29 disposals, while Liam Jones and rookie Blaine Johnson booted six goals apiece. - Howard Kotton 

Swingman Ben Reid headlines several selection options available to the Magpies for their big clash with Hawthorn on Friday night. Reid amassed 24 touches and 13 marks in three quarters at centre half-back in the Pies' VFL win over top side Box Hill, before sitting out the final term as a precautionary measure with a calf issue variously described as cramp and tightness. No. 1 ruckman Brodie Grundy could also return from a minor neck injury, while ex-Kangaroo Levi Greenwood is in the frame to play his first game for the Pies. If Reid doesn't return, talented tall Darcy Moore could make his AFL debut after booting three goals at full-forward in the VFL. Other potential first-gamers include teenage backmen Jonathon Marsh, the much-hyped Matt Scharenberg and Brayden Maynard. Ben Kennedy (27 disposals) and Patrick Karnezis (three goals) were also strong VFL performers, while experienced runner Sam Dwyer is seemingly always in the mix. - Ben Collins

David Zaharakis should return for the Bombers this week after playing in the VFL last round following a six-week absence with an ankle injury. He gathered 28 disposals in the Bombers’ VFL win. His inclusion will be offset by the loss of Jake Carlisle, however, with the key forward to miss 4-6 weeks with a knee injury. That might open the door for Patrick Ambrose to come back into the senior line-up, while Ben Howlett also put in a big game for the club’s VFL side. Upgraded rookie Ariel Steinberg is a chance to come in and Heath Hocking also nearly played out a full game in the VFL as he continues his recovery from a groin injury. Kyle Langford will also be close to getting some more senior experience. - Callum Twomey

The struggling Dons could get a boost if David Zaharakis is selected to face St Kilda. Picture: AFL Media

Ross Lyon has stated he is still tinkering with the Dockers' mix. The structure of the forward line is the main topic of debate at match committee. Matt Taberner and Zac Clarke have been dropped in the past two weeks and both put forward a case for a recall with strong performances in the WAFL. Taberner gathered 18 disposals, took seven marks and kicked 4.2 for Peel Thunder. Clarke had 36 hit-outs, 21 disposals and kicked a goal. Lyon also mentioned he would like to give Jon Griffin a chance in the ruck at some stage and he had 39 hit-outs for Peel. Tendai Mzungu was very unlucky to be left out of the Dockers' side last week and was best afield for Peel with 26 touches, six tackles, nine inside 50s and a goal. Connor Blakely gathered 23 touches and spent a bit of time forward. Max Duffy kicked 4.3 in another lively display up forward. – Alex Malcolm  

The Cats need to replace Jordan Murdoch who suffered a hamstring injury against Melbourne and will be tempted to bring in specialist ruckman Dawson Simpson after being smashed at stoppages against the Demons. The Cats remain hopeful that Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly will be available. Bartel has had a long lay-off but he is experienced and important enough to play without a lead-up VFL game.  Billie Smedts made a strong return after a broken collarbone and is in the mix while Mitch Clark has been a week away for a while now so his availability is a flip of the coin. Nakia Cockatoo and Sam Blease might provide some X-factor if Geelong decides they need some run to break through Adelaide's press. - Peter Ryan

After a false start last week, Saturday's home match against North Melbourne is now almost certain to be Gary Ablett's comeback match. The Suns skipper didn't quite get up to play Carlton, but said he should be right to play his first game since round two against the Kangaroos. Midfield mate David Swallow (knee) was also close to playing the Blues and should be back this week, giving the Suns some much needed run through the centre of the ground. Key defender Rory Thompson (hip flexor) played in the NEAFL at the weekend and should return, meaning Sam Day could shuffle to the forward line in the expected absence of Charlie Dixon (ankle). - Michael Whiting

Gary Ablett says he is set to finally return against North Melbourne. Picture: AFL Media

Midfielder Tom Scully (illness) and ruckman Andrew Phillips (back) should be certain starters against Richmond after being late withdrawals against North Melbourne before the bye. Standout draftee Paul Ahern has been a star in the NEAFL and is pushing hard for an AFL debut. Curtly Hampton, Will Hoskin-Elliott and Jed Lamb will also be among those in the mix. - Adam Curley

A likely dislocated shoulder suffered by James Frawley could open the door for Matt Spangher or swingman Ryan Schoenmakers to return in Friday night's blockbuster clash with Collingwood. Injury-plagued Spangher, who has not played at senior level this year due to hamstring and calf issues, appears to have dodged a bullet after sustaining an ankle injury playing VFL last Saturday. The 195cm Hawk is expected to be available to face the Pies – with Frawley set for a stint on the sidelines - while swingman Ryan Schoenmakers could come into contention after he was omitted for the win over Essendon. Ben McEvoy continued to pile the pressure on incumbent AFL ruckmen Jonathon Ceglar and David Hale, with the former Saint named Box Hill's best player for his work in the ruck and up forward. Hard-runner Angus Litherland and Brendan Whitecross impressed across half-back, but senior spots could be hard to come by after Hawthorn's fourth-straight win. – Travis King

Melbourne will likely have to find two places in its side when it takes on West Coast in Darwin on Saturday night, with Jesse Hogan and Colin Garland ready to resume after injury layoffs. Hogan missed the Demons' clash with Geelong before the bye in round 12 due to hamstring tightness. Garland broke his hand in the Queen's Birthday duel against Collingwood and is set to boost Melbourne's backline. Melbourne's VFL affiliate, the Casey Scorpions, also had a week's rest at the weekend. If coach Paul Roos wants more changes, Jay Kennedy-Harris, who is fit after overcoming a groin strain, and Jack Fitzpatrick may come back into the selection mix. - Ben Guthrie

Jesse Hogan should be fit to play against the Eagles in Darwin. Picture: AFL Media

North is unlikely to make many changes after its round 12 win over Greater Western Sydney. The Roos' VFL affiliates, North Ballarat and Werribee, also had byes last weekend, so players outside the senior team didn't have the chance to further press their claims. But Ryan Bastinac put his hand up for a senior recall in North Ballarat's win over Casey a fortnight ago, racking up 29 possessions despite a hard tag. Aaron Mullett also produced a strong defensive effort in that game and is getting closer to a call-up, having now played seven VFL games since returning from a pre-season shoulder reconstruction. Kayne Turner also impressed in Werribee's most recent game, kicking three goals in the loss to the Northern Blues, while Luke McDonald and Majak Daw performed well in the same match. - Nick Bowen

The Power will welcome ruckman Patrick Ryder back into the line-up this week after he was cleared of the Achilles injury that had sidelined him since round eight. Ryder's return is a massive boost to the club that desperately needs a win to kick start the second half of its season. Robbie Gray will also play and has shown no lingering effects of the concussion that saw him subbed from Port's loss to Carlton in round 12. It was another strong showing from AFL-listed players in the SANFL, with Paul Stewart (32 disposals, 14 marks, one goal), Tom Logan (27), Sam Gray (31, six clearances), Tom Clurey (26) and Karl Amon (23, seven rebound 50s) all impressive. - Harry Thring 

Ahead of the crunch clash against the Swans, Port may bring in Paddy Ryder. Picture: AFL Media

It's hard to see Richmond making any changes after its brilliant 18-point win over the Sydney Swans on Friday night. Steven Morris was omitted last week, but has been a role player this season as a defensive forward. He could be seen as a required player against Greater Western Sydney. The same goes for youngster Connor Menadue and Matt Dea, who were emergencies against the Swans. In the VFL, Matt Thomas was excellent against Williamstown with 30 possessions and 10 tackles. The Tigers have the option to upgrade the mature-age rookie. – Nathan Schmook 

The Saints are likely to regain Jack Billings from shin soreness if the forward trains strongly this week. Sam Fisher is less of a certainty but isn't out of contention for Sunday's clash with Essendon, provided he can show he's over the back soreness he suffered on Saturday morning when he bent over to pick up some washing at home. The Saints again have some thinking to do, with a fractured fibula likely to end Tom Curren's season but opening the door for a rookie to take his place. Jack Sinclair - who played 10 games before being returned to the rookie list ahead of the bye - leads the charge from ruckman Jason Holmes and forward Ahmed Saad. Midfielder Blake Acres will miss at least 2-3 weeks after surgery to repair an injured metacarpal in his hand. Paddy McCartin, Hugh Goddard and Daniel McKenzie are all chances after strong VFL performances. - Jennifer Phelan

Utilities Dean Towers and Brandon Jack are at the front of the queue to replace suspended forwards Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett. Rising star Isaac Heeney is unlikely to be risked, given he's missed six games with a knee injury and was a late withdrawal from the NEAFL last week. Ben McGlynn (hamstring) and Mike Pyke (knee) are likely to return should they make it through training. Abe Davis and George Hewitt have been consistent performers in the reserves, while youngster Toby Nankervis is raw, but could be a chance if the Swans want to go tall against the Power. - Adam Curley 

The Eagles are well rested off the bye and East Perth also had the bye in the WAFL. Jeremy McGovern (quad), Jamie Cripps (quad) and Will Schofield (glute) suffered heavy knocks a fortnight ago but all appear fully recovered. Should something go wrong with the two key defenders, Tom Barrass remains in contention for his AFL debut. Sam Butler missed the Richmond win with soreness but is available to return. Mark Hutchings put in a huge performance in his last WAFL match gathering 31 touches and kicking two goals to put his hand up for selection. Kane Lucas gathered 30 disposals in the same game on June 20. – Alex Malcolm

Stewart Crameri didn't set the world on fire in the VFL at the weekend, collecting only 19 possessions and having limited impact in Footscray's narrow loss to Sandringham. Midfielder Nathan Hrovat looked a class above with 23 touches, while draftee Caleb Daniel and Mitch Honeychurch both gave great support with 24 possessions each. Half-back flankers Shane Biggs and Sam Darley gave plenty of drive from defence. Jack Redpath kicked five goals and could be a replacement for Will Minson after the ruckman was subbed out for the second game running. And another draftee, Declan Hamilton must be edging closer to an AFL debut with another impressive performance as a high half forward. – Ryan Davidson