Jack Scrimshaw will surely keep his spot after an eye-catching display as a late inclusion for veteran forward
Paul Puopolo (calf). The Hawks initially opted to drop
Harry Morrison last week, keeping faith in Puopolo to snap out of his funk, so on that basis he would be expected to return if he is fit. Does that make
Ollie Hanrahan vulnerable? Coach Alastair Clarkson hinted post-match last week he would stick with tall forwards
Jon Patton and
Tim O'Brien despite them being quiet again. However, there must be some temptation to recall
Mitch Lewis. Midfielder
Harry Jones will get his opportunity soon enough.
Ricky Henderson's availability, after hurting himself last Thursday night, could also be a factor.
Verdict: Puopolo in for Hanrahan. -
Marc McGowan
The Demons didn't play a competitive match at the weekend because of their clash with Essendon being postponed in the wake of Conor McKenna's positive COVID-19 test. They instead organised an intraclub game at the MCG on Sunday between 40 players, where
Mitch Brown pushed his case for promotion with three goals. Melbourne was planning to go small in attack against the Bombers, with
Mitch Hannan,
Kozzy Pickett and midfielder-forward
Aaron vandenBerg the inclusions. Unless
Nathan Jones,
Michael Hibberd,
Luke Jackson or
Alex Neal-Bullen were able to change the coaches' opinion on Sunday, they will likely be left out again.
Verdict: You'd imagine the Dees will go with the squad they finalised on Friday. If not, ex-Cat Brown could challenge Hannan if they choose to go taller against his old side. -
Marc McGowan
Ben Cunnington (back) should return after being a late withdrawal.
Marley Williams also seems a certain defensive inclusion after impressing in the Roos' scratch match against the Bulldogs' reserves on Friday. They have a decision to make on
Mason Wood. Rhyce Shaw praised Wood's role in the win over GWS despite his modest numbers but he's now had 16 goalless touches as a forward in the past fortnight. Could strong-marking
Tristan Xerri or
Lachie Hosie be called up to face Hawthorn for what would be their debut?
Jack Mahony's three quickfire goals in the practice game could have him in contention, too, while
Bailey Scott is another option.
Verdict: Cunnington and Williams replace Bonar and Hayden. -
Marc McGowan
After three wins on the trot, things are looking rosy for Port Adelaide. However, Ken Hinkley will have to find a replacement for impressive youngster
Xavier Duursma, who could miss the next month due to a hamstring injury. Fellow first-round draft pick
Mitch Georgiades has recovered from a calf setback and could be included, while the Power have liked the work of
Sam Mayes on the training track.
Ryan Burton is still another fortnight away, having sprained his knee during the club's Showdown victory in round two.
Verdict: Expect either Georgiades or Mayes to replace Duursma, depending on how Hinkley views the team balance heading into this week's clash with West Coast.
- Riley Beveridge
Dustin Martin looks set to return after missing last week's loss to Hawthorn with bruised ribs.
Liam Baker will also be available after returning to Western Australia for a family matter. Draftee
Thomson Dow continues to push his case, while
Kamdyn McIntosh and
Pat Naish are always in the mix. Could
Toby Nankervis or
Noah Balta come in to bolster the tall stocks against St Kilda's two-pronged ruck set-up? Coming off their first loss in over a year there will be a few nervous Tigers.
Daniel Rioli and
Marlion Pickett were both quiet, while
Sydney Stack had six clangers. One of
Jack Graham or
Jack Ross could also be squeezed out.
Verdict: Martin, Baker and McIntosh come in for Pickett, Stack and Graham. -
Ben Sutton
The addition of
Jonathon Marsh (nine disposals) meant the Saints went extremely tall in attack in the loss to the Pies.
Nick Coffield had some shaky moments in defence, while
Nick Hind (four disposals) was quiet after an impressive outing the week before against the Dogs. The two rucks were upstaged by Brodie Grundy, so Brett Ratten will be deliberating
Paddy Ryder's spot in the side.
Josh Battle and
Jack Sinclair were the carryover emergencies, while
Dean Kent and
Jimmy Webster presented their case in a Saturday morning scratch match.
Jarryn Geary will be out to prove he's fit after missing with a minor hamstring.
Verdict: Battle and Sinclair for Marsh and Hind.
- Mitch Cleary
There will be at least one change at the Swans, who will be without
Tom McCartin (concussion) for their quick turnaround against the Western Bulldogs. No.1 ruckman
Sam Naismith (hamstring) is on track to play after a fortnight out, so the Swans must decide if there is still a role for
Callum Sinclair.
Justin McInerney (omitted) is a good chance to come back in but his replacement,
Hayden McLean, did some nice things. It might be a call between Sinclair and McLean. Fresh legs could be a priority, with
Ryan Clarke,
Chad Warner and
Dylan Stephens in line to be selected if there is some shuffling of places.
Verdict: Naismith (if fit) and McInerney for Sinclair and McCartin. -
Marc McGowan
Provided he can overcome a sprained ankle sustained in a scratch match,
Jeremy McGovern will be rushed back into defence.
Tom Cole was the carryover emergency last week and now has a solid month of training under his belt,
Jake Waterman and
Jamaine Jones are pushing for berths in attack and ruckman
Bailey Williams is still knocking on the door for a debut.
Will Schofield looks the most likely to miss for McGovern, while youngsters
Josh Rotham and
Jack Petruccelle were quiet.
Verdict: McGovern and Cole for Schofield and Rotham.
- Mitch Cleary
With
Josh Dunkley (ankle syndesmosis) out for at least six weeks,
Patrick Lipinski should re-gain his spot in the side. The Dogs could get
Jack Macrae to play the role Dunkley has taken on this year, while Lipinski can take on Macrae's duties.
Louis Butler is a confirmed debutant and could replace a veteran in the backline.
Verdict: Patrick Lipinski, Louis Butler replace Josh Dunkley and Matt Suckling.
- Jourdan Canil