The Crows have a welcome headache in their midfield with Brad Crouch set to be recalled for Saturday night's blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. In his first game back from a hamstring injury, Crouch collected 36 possessions and had 10 clearances for the Crows in the SANFL last weekend. Exciting prospect Wayne Milera also proved his fitness with 22 touches and three goals in his return from a quad injury. Defender Rory Laird will miss up to three weeks with a toe injury. Ricky Henderson and former captain Nathan Van Berlo are the front-runners to return to the team if the Crows want a like-for-like replacement. - Lee Gaskin
Classy midfielder Dayne Beams is on the verge of playing his first game for the season against Port Adelaide on Sunday. Beams has been floored by knee tendinitis since early in the new year, but provided he gets through training this week, will line up against Port at Adelaide Oval. No.2 draft pick Josh Schache will come back into the team after being rested against the Sydney Swans, while small forward Josh Green is also a chance of returning after missing last week with a chest injury. - Michael Whiting
With young key defender Jacob Weitering on the sidelines for at least the next two games, the Blues will be searching for a replacement. Veteran Michael Jamison could return to the seniors against Collingwood this Saturday but only if he can prove his fitness. Jamison sat out the final three quarters of the Northern Blues' game against Collingwood last Saturday after being concussed in the first term. Star midfielder Patrick Cripps, a late withdrawal from last Sunday's game against Essendon with calf tightness, is likely to return. In his second game back from a calf injury forward Andrejs Everitt performed well in the VFL, finishing with a team-high 27 possessions. - Howard Kotton
Brilliant midfielder Patrick Cripps is expected to return for the Blues. Picture: AFL Media
Travis Varcoe could return from his latest hamstring setback to boost Collingwood's chances of overcoming plucky rival Carlton at the MCG on Saturday. Wingman/defender Tom Langdon is likely to be sidelined with an ankle problem, potentially opening the door for the likes of youngsters Matthew Goodyear, Tom Phillips, Rupert Wills and Ben Crocker, while leadership group member Brent Macaffer remains in contention. Spearhead Travis Cloke could be elevated after finding some touch in the VFL. - Ben Collins
Former Kangaroos defender Nathan Grima will be in contention for the Bombers after another strong VFL performance last week. The 30-year-old was a clear standout for the Bombers in their defeat to the Casey Scorpions, gathering 18 disposals. Versatile tall Patrick Ambrose had more of the ball with 23 disposals, while father-son pick-up Tom Wallis found 19 touches. Jason Ashby continued his solid return to footy after a knee injury earlier in the year, while Mark Jamar was influential with 18 disposals from the ruck. Jackson Merrett and Nick Kommer are others who might come into senior consideration for Essendon's meeting with the Sydney Swans this Saturday. - Callum Twomey
The Dockers have been making multiple changes on a weekly basis. There could be more this week but they don't have any major injury issues that have come out of the loss to the Crows. Ross Lyon said he would give the youngsters opportunities provided they delivered on team values. Ed Langdon had 25 touches for Peel to put his hand up again. Ethan Hughes had 20 disposals, laid six tackles and kicked a goal. Mature-age recruit Shane Yarran kicked three goals up forward in his first game of the season but may need another run for Peel before being looked at for the Dockers. Sam Collins remains in the mix. Tendai Mzungu was the travelling emergency and is always available to come in. Matt de Boer is in the same boat after another 24 disposals and two goals in the WAFL. Nick Suban, Clancee Pearce and Garrick Ibbotson all performed brilliantly for Peel as well but may be overlooked in favour of youth. - Alex Malcolm
The Cats made four changes against Gold Coast with Rhys Stanley, Andrew Mackie, Cory Gregson and Tom Ruggles all missing. All four are likely to be available for selection against West Coast this week, with general soreness and illness the only reason for their absence. The Cats got through the game against the Suns unscathed so finding a spot for George Horlin-Smith – who continues to impress in the VFL – remains tough. Billie Smedts showed good defensive pressure while Josh Cowan got through his first game back in the VFL without a problem after a series of soft tissue injuries. However both of those players will be given time before being considered for senior selection. - Peter Ryan
Running defender Adam Saad is expected to return from a hip injury to bolster the struggling Suns when they host Melbourne at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night. Saad missed the 120-point humiliation against Geelong, but has recovered well. Vice-captain Michael Rischitelli received some good news on his subluxed shoulder late last week and is also a chance to return, although early indications are he might be another week away. Coach Rodney Eade has flagged changes following last week's horror performance, which might open the door for rookie Darcy MacPherson, small forward Jarrod Garlett or versatile Seb Tape, who have performed strongly in the NEAFL this season. - Michael Whiting
Running defender Adam Saad has been missed by the Suns. Picture: AFL Media
Spots in the Giants' 22 are pretty tough to come by, especially after a 75-point win over Hawthorn. Adam Tomlinson continued his great form in the NEAFL against NT Thunder but his 28 possessions and two goals wasn't enough to help the GWS reserves falling to the visitors. Harrison Himmelberg looked polished across half back for the Giants with fellow academy draftee Matthew Kennedy also solid for the home side in the midfield. Ruckman Tom Downie and defender Tim Mohr were other good players but with the senior side on a three-game winning streak, they'll need some more consistent performances to be any chance of a call-up. - Adam Curley
Oh to be a fly on the wall in the match committee room at the Ricoh Centre as the Hawks decide how to deal with a) their heaviest defeat in seven years and b) news that skipper Luke Hodge will miss up to six weeks with a lateral meniscus tear. Midfielder Will Langford should return from a quadricep injury and help address contested ball and clearance numbers which have plummeted through the floor, while key defender Kaiden Brand appears set to debut after being held out of the VFL last week. Whether he will replace James Frawley, who faces a concussion test or plays alongside him to bolster an undersized defence remains to be seen. The Hawks might also look to bring in Matt Spangher for his first game of the season as a tall defender to free Josh Gibson to play a bit further up the ground, while Ryan Schonemakers might be back from his "grumbly groin" (as described by Alastair Clarkson). Others to be looked at this week will be Brendan Whitecross and Billy Hartung, while the Hawks might consider tall midfielder Dallas Willsmore, who has been tearing it up at VFL level all season. An added complication is that Box Hill played on Sunday, so any players elevated from the VFL will be looking at only a five-day break ahead of the Friday night clash with Richmond. - Ashley Browne
Melbourne's 39-point loss to St Kilda at the weekend is certain to force changes, with the Demons' off day exposing some deficiencies in the line-up. Young midfielder Clayton Oliver is likely to return to the fold after a 29-disposal game for the Casey Scorpions on Sunday. Oliver was rested for the club's round five clash against Richmond, but instead of winning an immediate recall, the club decided to make him earn his stripes in the VFL. The Demons have lacked flexibility in their back half over the past few weeks, meaning Colin Garland (who has not played at AFL level since round two) should come back into the selection frame. The Demons could also reward Alex Neal-Bullen's strong run of form for the Scorpions, should they decide a fellow youngster such as James Harmes or Jayden Hunt need to return to the VFL to continue their development. Jack Trengove (27 touches) has been in stellar form at VFL level but the Demons will continue to be patient with his comeback given his injury history. - Ben Guthrie
Exciting forward Mason Wood will be banging down coach Brad Scott's door for a senior recall after another stellar VFL performance, this time 23 disposals and four goals in Werribee's win over Footscray. Wood was dropped following only one AFL game in round four against Fremantle, but ramped up his defensive pressure against the Dogs' VFL team, and he or Robin Nahas (two goals) will fight to replace Kayne Turner (hamstring). The undefeated Roos are in the enviable position of having a host of players pushing hard for senior spots in the VFL. Lachlan Hansen (19 disposals, seven marks) or fellow defender Aaron Mullett (23, six tackles) could come in if Sam Wright fails to overcome an ankle issue. Meanwhile, Farren Ray (25 disposals), Trent Dumont (25) and Brad McKenzie (27) are chipping away. - Travis King
Mason Wood was outstanding in the VFL last week to push for a senior recall. Picture: AFL Media
The Power will be making minimal changes, if any, after last weekend's 35-point win against Richmond at the MCG. Small forward Chad Wingard will come back into the side if he passes concussion tests this week. Star midfielder Robbie Gray will miss at least one more week with a hamstring injury sustained at training last week. Ruckman Matthew Lobbe will be sidelined after sustaining a knee injury in the SANFL. Midfielder Sam Colquhoun continues to press his claims with a strong performance for Port Adelaide in the SANFL, while Kane Mitchell was also a bright spot in his side's 63-point loss to Sturt. - Lee Gaskin
Defenders Nick Vlastuin (knee) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring) are pushing to return from injury and add desperately needed reinforcements to an undermanned backline. Both trained on Tuesday and the club expects Vlastuin to face Hawthorn on Friday night. Grimes has missed four matches and appears less certain. He resumed kicking last week and trained with the main group on Tuesday. It will be intriguing to see what approach the match committee takes and if more young players are given a chance. Young forward Jayden Short moved into defence in the VFL and won 26 possessions, while Kamdyn McIntosh is available after being a late omission last week. Jacob Townsend is a ready-made inside midfield replacement for injured captain Trent Cotchin. The Tigers would be considered unlikely to blood draftee Oleg Margov, who was an emergency last week, against the reigning premiers. - Nathan Schmook
Dylan Roberton will push for selection as he attempts to return from a knee injury, but he may return through the VFL. North's trio of key forwards (Jarrad Waite, Drew Petrie and Ben Brown) may necessitate another tall defender, perhaps in the form of Tom Lee. The No.1 pick in 2014, Paddy McCartin, was rested against the Demons but is unlikely to regain his spot after Tim Membrey booted five goals. Jack Lonie responded well to being dropped by racking up 33 disposals and kicking three goals, while Eli Templeton was similarly influential in the reserves, with 24 disposals and two goals. Darren Minchington finished with just 11 disposals against Melbourne last Saturday and is St Kilda's main candidate to be omitted. - Dinny Navaratnam
Tom Lee may be needed to help deal with North's tall forwards. Picture: AFL Media
Defender Nick Smith (knee) was a late withdrawal from last week's round six win over the Brisbane Lions and will come into the side if he can prove his fitness at training on Thursday. Gary Rohan played his first game of the season in the NEAFL last week and came through the hit-out unscathed. He's a very slim chance of being recalled but will more than likely spend at least two more weeks in the reserves. Dean Towers kicked five goals from 24 possessions in a best on ground performance in the Swans' 110-point win over the Lions' reserves, with Brandon Jack and James Rose also maintaining their great form at the lower level. - Adam Curley
The Eagles' mix is intriguing. Elliot Yeo is a chance to return after missing last week with tonsillitis. Mark Hutchings was his replacement and Adam Simpson said he locked himself into the side with a strong performance. Xavier Ellis made a good return from an Achilles injury in the WAFL with 24 disposals for East Perth. Beyond that it is hard to see any other changes. Jackson Nelson has played well at senior level this year but got squeezed out for Sharrod Wellingham in round five and is working hard for East Perth. He gathered 23 disposals and took seven marks on Sunday. The Eagles' first pick in the 2015 draft, Luke Partington, gathered 27 touches for East Perth. Tom Cole, Tom Lamb, Kane Lucas, Patrick McGinnity and Tom Barrass remain in the mix but all appear unlikely to come in barring an injury issue. - Alex Malcolm
Ahead of the big clash against Adelaide, the Bulldogs are sweating on the fitness of in-form playmaker Lachie Hunter as he recovers from a concussion sustained from a high hit by Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas. Tom Liberatore is also in doubt after copping a corked thigh. In better news, midfielder Caleb Daniel has overcome a calf complaint and will be fit to face the Crows. Wingman Bailey Dale and key defender Fletcher Roberts both struggled against the Roos and could make way for teammates playing well for Footscray in the VFL. Midfielders Josh Dunkley (34 possessions), Lukas Webb (29) and Mitch Honeychurch (24) all impressed, while versatile defender Zaine Cordy also performed well. – Ryan Davidson
