WHO IS a chance to play in round 13?
In this week's
In the Mix 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 R13 ins and outs. Check it out.
The Crows missed the flexibility and size of
Josh Worrell against Gold Coast, with the defender likely to return immediately as a
replacement for injured teammate Tom Doedee. It is then a matter of how the Crows address form issues elsewhere and reward those performing at SANFL level. Midfielder
Harry Schoenberg was the Crows' best at SANFL level for the second straight week, finishing with 26 disposals, seven clearances, eight inside 50s and 11 tackles. Midfielders
Brayden Cook and
Sam Berry were also emergencies against the Suns, while
Jackson Hately has been consistent at state league level.
Shane McAdam has recovered from a quad injury but will return through the SANFL.
– Nathan Schmook
R12 sub: Ned McHenry (replaced Tom Doedee)
The Lions should be bolstered by the return of key defender
Jack Payne for Saturday's match against Hawthorn at the MCG. Payne missed the pre-bye loss to Adelaide with concussion and has recovered well. Chris Fagan will also have to find a replacement for suspended veteran
Dayne Zorko, with
Deven Robertson,
Kai Lohmann,
Nakia Cockatoo and
James Tunstill all under consideration.
- Michael Whiting
R11 sub: James Madden (replaced Jack Gunston)
The Blues will again be without
George Hewett (concussion) for this week's King's Birthday Eve clash with the Bombers.
Jack Silvagni (hip) may miss, while
Marc Pittonet (hand) could be back as both face tests.
Jaxon Binns (35 disposals, nine marks) continued to stake his claim for a senior debut in the VFL, while
Lachie Fogarty (22 disposals, eight tackles) was also strong.
David Cuningham (21 disposals, seven clearances) and
Jack Martin (18 disposals, six tackles) also made impressive returns from respective calf injuries.
Paddy Dow looked exciting after coming on as the sub last week and should be a good chance of retaining his place in the 23.
- Riley Beveridge
R12 sub: Paddy Dow (replaced Jack Silvagni)
Craig McRae will need to make at least one change and possibly two or three following a costly trip to Western Australia.
Jordan De Goey has been hit with a suspension, while
Beau McCreery and
Will Hoskin-Elliott are both in doubt.
Fin Macrae and
Trent Bianco were both included in the 26-man squad last weekend and have been close to the mark in the past month.
Pat Lipinski hasn't played since doing his shoulder again in March and a decision will need to be made later in the week if he needs some minutes in the VFL rather than returning for a blockbuster game.
Dan McStay is also available after undergoing surgery to repair his finger tendon after round five.
Jamie Elliott missed the trip to Perth due to a shoulder injury but is expected to face the Demons.
Ed Allan has been closing in on a debut.
Josh Carmichael might be the best like-for-like De Goey replacement but the mature-age recruit has been on the outer this year.
Nathan Kreuger kicked a few goals at Preston but hurt his ankle late, while
Reef McInnes kicked a couple of goals in the VFL.
- Josh Gabelich
R12 sub: Oleg Markov (replaced Beau McCreery)
The possible return of
Peter Wright for Sunday night's blockbuster against Carlton could be a huge boost for the Bombers.
Jake Kelly made his return from concussion in the VFL and could be an option, while
Elijah Tsatas is likely to need more time at the lower level after his Bombers debut last weekend.
Dylan Shiel is likely to be an out due to injury after being substituted against North Melbourne, with his replacement
Massimo D'Ambrosio (six disposals) kicking the match-winning goal.
Tex Wanganeen (20 disposals, two goals),
Kaine Baldwin (21, 12 marks) and
Nick Bryan (19 disposals, 32 hitouts) had good VFL games, while
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti (15 disposals, seven tackles and two goals), Kelly (24, 10 marks) and
Nik Cox (21, nine marks) were good as Tsatas (18, a goal) played his first game. –
Dejan Kalinic
R12 sub: Massimo D'Ambrosio (replaced Dylan Shiel)
The Dockers are fortunate to have a genuine No.1 ruckman in
Luke Jackson who can elevate to cover
Sean Darcy, with support from key forward
Josh Treacy. It means changes this week will likely be made to bolster the attack, with
Michael Walters pushing to return from a calf strain. Medium forward
Sam Sturt (two goals in the WAFL) is another likely candidate in the forecast wet conditions if Walters remains unavailable. With
Jaeger O'Meara suspended, hard-tackling youngster
Neil Erasmus (25 disposals and six tackles in the WAFL) would be a good inclusion, with
Matt Johnson to spend more time in the centre.
Will Brodie is also available after a team-high 30 disposals with Peel Thunder.
– Nathan Schmook
R11 sub: Sam Sturt (replaced Sean Darcy)
The Giants will lose small forward
Brent Daniels to a hamstring injury for this weekend's trip to Tasmania to face the Kangaroos. However, reinforcements are on the way back.
Nick Haynes should return from the AFL's concussion protocols, while
Cam Fleeton (32 disposals, eight marks) could also get a recall after impressing in the VFL.
Harry Rowston (26 disposals, seven clearances) was among the best at reserves level, while
Wade Derksen (17 disposals, two goals) continued to excite as he searches for a senior debut. Young defender
Josh Fahey showed some promising signs after coming on as the sub and could retain his place.
- Riley Beveridge
R12 sub: Josh Fahey (replaced Brent Daniels)
Hawthorn was brought crashing back to earth with a thud in Adelaide, but will regain captain
James Sicily for Saturday's game against Brisbane.
Josh Ward got through his VFL return and collected 21 touches on managed minutes.
Chad Wingard didn't play in Box Hill due to some more calf concerns last Friday.
Harry Morrison collected 31 touches against Williamstown to put his hand up for a recall.
Seamus Mitchell missed the trip to South Australia due to illness and might come straight back.
Cooper Stephens is still hunting a first start in brown and gold and could be close after finishing with 25 disposals, eight tackles and two goals at Box Hill on the weekend.
Denver Grainger-Barras also produced one of his best showing at VFL level after he collected 23 touches and took 11 marks against the Seagulls.
Ned Long and
Max Ramsden were both included in the 26-man AFL squad.
- Josh Gabelich
R12 sub: Cam Mackenzie (replaced Lloyd Meek)