AFL 2016 Training - Melbourne 040516

Jack Trengove could be on the verge of returning to the Demons' lineup

- Every club's injury list

Adelaide

Small defender Luke Brown remains touch and go for this weekend’s game against Greater Western Sydney after rolling his ankle in the club’s big win over Gold Coast. The Crows are optimistic of his chances of lining up but will assess him later in the week. Rory Laird is a chance to return to the senior line-up after three weeks off with a broken toe; his presence would be a huge boost to the backline, particularly if Brown is ruled out. Matt Crouch will also look to prove his fitness (general soreness), while brother Brad carved up in the SANFL at the weekend (37 possessions, 11 clearances) and is a likely inclusion. - Harry Thring 

Brisbane

The Lions will welcome back winger Rohan Bewick (groin) to play Hawthorn at the Gabba on Saturday, along with running defender Tom Cutler. Bewick missed the loss against Melbourne with a groin injury, while Cutler hasn't played since injuring his shoulder in round five against the Western Bulldogs. Captain Tom Rockliff is also a chance to return from a hamstring problem, although coach Justin Leppitsch has indicated he's likely to be another week away. - Michael Whiting 

Carlton

With the Blues struggling for tall targets in attack, former Giant Kristian Jaksch should come into calculations for this Sunday’s match against Geelong. Jaksch, who has not played in the seniors since round 21 last season, booted four goals in the Northern Blues' 11-point win over Coburg last Sunday. Nick Graham and Jason Tutt would be in strong contention for senior selection after consistent form in the VFL. Both booted three goals, with Tutt finishing with 37 disposals and Graham 32 in the midfield. Father-son draftee Jack Silvagni was impressive with three goals. Cameron Wood may come into consideration as support for Daniel Gorringe who struggled last week. - Howard Kotton 

Jack Silvagni is knocking on the door for a senior call-up. Picture: AFL Media

Collingwood

If Nathan Brown (hamstring) and Ben Sinclair (concussion) are passed fit, Collingwood will have extra defensive depth to select from for their big clash with the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday. The Pies are unlikely to make many, if any, changes to the side that so comprehensively upset Geelong, but those pressing for selection from the VFL side that defeated Williamstown by five points include fellow backmen Jonathon Marsh and Tyson Goldsack, young runner Matthew Goodyear (a team-high 28 disposals, five clearances, seven tackles and two goals), the experienced Brent Macaffer (26 touches, four clearances, six tackles and a goal) and ruckman Jarrod Witts. Travis Cloke kicked four goals but is unlikely to return just yet given the form of the incumbent key forwards.
- Ben Collins 

Essendon

The Bombers might regain Courtenay Dempsey this week to add some speed off half-back against Richmond on Saturday night. The running defender has missed the past two weeks with a hamstring injury. Mathew Stokes is also a chance to return as he recovers from his hamstring strain. A number of players continued to put their hand up at VFL level for the Bombers, with Jackson Merrett (27 disposals and a goal) and Shaun Edwards (three goals) impressing. Nick Kommer also hit the scoreboard and will be ready for an opportunity if he gets a call-up against the Tigers to add some forward pressure to Essendon's attack. Rookie Will Hams also continued to rack up disposals through the midfield in the VFL, while John Worsfold indicated Jake Long, the son of Essendon champion Michael, is in line to debut in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash. - Callum Twomey 

Fremantle

Former VFL key defender Sam Collins looks the most likely replacement for Alex Pearce, who has been ruled out for the year with a broken tibia. Recruited after three seasons with Box Hill, the 22-year-old is the only tall defender available to the injury depleted Dockers. Michael Barlow also appears certain to return after racking up 44 possessions and kicking three goals in the WAFL. Barlow, who would replace injured skipper David Mundy (calf) also laid 13 tackles, doing everything possible to earn a recall after two weeks out of the team. Midfielder Stephen Hill has missed one match with an adductor strain and will be assessed this week. Other options for the match committee include Cam Sutcliffe (25 disposals and seven marks) and Tendai Mzungu (29 and eight tackles). Matt de Boer was the senior emergency in round nine and is available, while youngster Darcy Tucker could get another crack if youth is prioritised. – Nathan Schmook

Michael Barlow has been getting leather-poisoning in the reserves. Picture: AFL Media

Geelong

Lincoln McCarthy hopes to be available after missing the past two weeks with an ankle injury followed by a strained hip flexor. Tom Lonergan will need to be cleared to play after missing Saturday's game with a concussion suffered against Adelaide but he is expected to be right. Billie Smedts is in the frame after hitting good form in the VFL in the past two weeks. He has played four consecutive games now and could get a chance against Carlton. Josh Cowan also played his best game for the season on Sunday and may be included to provide some defensive run. - Peter Ryan 

Gold Coast

The troops are finally on the way back for the Suns, with Steven May returning from his five-game suspension to play West Coast in Perth on Sunday. Captain Gary Ablett should also return after missing last week with concussion, while fellow midfielder Aaron Hall (shoulder) is also a strong chance. May could be joined in a greatly strengthened back half by Rory Thompson (ankle), who has not played since round three. Second-year midfielder Touk Miller is another with a chance to play after missing out against the Crows with an ankle problem. - Michael Whiting 

GWS

Co-captain Phil Davis could make a welcome return to face his former team Adelaide on the road this week after missing the past two games with a minor hamstring strain he suffered against Fremantle in round seven. If he can get through training, Davis would be a welcome addition with Tim Mohr (hamstring) already ruled out, and Matt Buntine (concussion) extremely doubtful to face the Crows, plus Aidan Corr (ankle) and Caleb Marchbank (ankle) also in the rehab room. The versatile Adam Tomlinson had 52 touches in the NEAFL last week and surely must be a massive chance to play, with coach Leon Cameron hinting after last week's win over the Western Bulldogs that he could be an option in defence. Jack Steele responded with 43 possessions in the reserves after he was surprisingly dropped last week, so he could also get a recall to add toughness to the midfield. - Adam Curley 

The Giants will be relieved to bolster their defence with skipper Phil Davis. Picture: AFL Media

Hawthorn

Could this be the week the Hawks unveil Teia Miles? The third–year small forward has been in good form in the VFL and booted four goals for Box Hill in the tight seven-point loss to Casey Scorpions on Saturday night and might be elevated if Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson seeks to shake up the team that lost to the Sydney Swans. The Hawks kicked just seven goals on a night they really missed Jarryd Roughead. Ryan Schoenmakers got through the VFL clash, his first for a month after groin soreness and is a chance to return to add some height and marking ability in the forward line. Jono O'Rourke had 23 touches for Box Hill in his return from a hamstring injury, while Angus Litherland, Brendan Whitecross and Matt Spangher also played well. Hawthorn will appreciate the eight-day break ahead of the club's first game at the Gabba since 2008. - Ashley Browne  

Melbourne

Melbourne could make up to four changes for its trip to Alice Springs to face Port Adelaide. Neville Jetta is certain to return from suspension against the Power, while midfielder Dom Tyson should come back in after being a late withdrawal with illness for the Demons' 63-point win over the Lions on Sunday. Tall utility Cam Pedersen could also push his way back into the side after sitting out through illness. However the Demons will also look closely at whether Port goes into the game with just Jackson Trengove as their sole ruckman or whether Dougal Howard gets another look in. The Demons are also seriously considering Jack Trengove for his first game since round two, 2014. Trengove put his hand up for selection after another 25 disposals in the VFL. Jack Grimes (34), Christian Salem (28) and Chris Dawes (22 and three goals) will also enter discussions. - Ben Guthrie 

North Melbourne

While the Roos adopt a wait-and-see approach with Daniel Wells' sore Achilles, prolific ball-winner Ryan Clarke is keeping the heat on the match committee. The first-year midfielder was named as an emergency for the win over Carlton and dominated in the VFL with 30 touches and eight clearances in Werribee's loss to Sandringham. After suffering bouts of concussion, Mason Wood and Lachie Hansen might return to football this round, although it also remains to be seen at which level, while small defender Sam Wright might also be around the mark after a lingering ankle problem suffered in round six. - Travis King 

Mason Wood is another talent to add to the Roos' forward mix. Picture: AFL Media

Port Adelaide

The Power will need to replace Tom Jonas who is all but certain to be handed a suspension by the tribunal on Tuesday night. Both Alipate Carlile and Tom Clurey are both likely to come into selection calculations, albeit after quiet weekends in the Magpies’ big SANFL win. Hamish Hartlett appears set to overcome a corked thigh, while Darcy Byrne-Jones will be monitored after badly rolling his ankle against West Coast. Sam Gray (32 disposals, eight tackles, eight clearances), Kane Mitchell (30, nine, nine, one goal) and Jimmy Toumpas (28, seven tackles, two goals) were all prolific in the SANFL. - Harry Thring

Richmond

First-year forward Daniel Rioli is likely to return for Saturday night's Dreamtime at the 'G clash after spending time in the Northern Territory because of a family illness. Key forward Ty Vickery put his spot in jeopardy with just two possessions against Fremantle last Saturday. The Tigers are unlikely to make extensive changes after their VFL team had a bye. Corey Ellis, who was earmarked as Bachar Houli's replacement across half-back, should return after being rested with soreness for the first time this season. Midfielders Jacob Townsend and Oleg Markov were emergencies last week and remain available. Reece Conca played three quarters in the VFL two weeks ago but might need another run in the reserves before he pushes for senior selection. – Nathan Schmook 

Corey Ellis is set to fill the role of the injured Bachar Houli for Richmond. Picture: AFL Media 

St Kilda

A few put their name up for selection in the VFL but the Saints are in reasonable form, putting aside their 103-point loss to West Coast in round eight. With upcoming opponent Fremantle missing so many of its key defenders, coach Alan Richardson will relish the opportunity to again unleash his taller forward set-up. That will make it difficult for Jack Lonie and Eli Templeton to return, despite racking up a combined 58 disposals and five goals for Sandringham last weekend. Blake Acres collected 36 disposals for the Zebras but will likely be an emergency. - Dinny Navaratnam 

Sydney Swans

Forgotten swingman Sam Reid could be a bolter for Friday night's hug clash with North Melbourne at the SCG, despite not playing at any level this year. Reid was last seen in the 2015 loss to Fremantle when he tore his hamstring in the qualifying final in Perth. He then hurt his hamstring again in the club's opening intra-club trial in February, but has trained strongly over the past six weeks, and with veteran Ted Richards under a cloud with concussion; coach John Longmire could turn to the 24-year-old to play a role on one of North's trio of big forwards Drew Petrie, Ben Brown or Jarrad Waite. The Swans had the bye in the NEAFL last week but Brandon Jack, James Rose and recently upgraded rookie Harry Marsh are in form and ready to go if a spot opens up in the senior side. - Adam Curley 

West Coast

Midfielder Andrew Gaff suffered concussion last Saturday against West Coast, with the obvious replacement being Lewis Jetta. The high-profile recruit played his second consecutive WAFL game on the weekend and gathered only 13 disposals, but the extremely wet conditions did not suit him. Mark Hutchings copped a big hit from Robbie Gray in the final term against Port Adelaide and should be right to go, but if not, Patrick McGinnity seems a suitable replacement. Tom Cole would have debuted if Josh Kennedy missed against the Power, so the 18-year-old should be close to selection again this week. - Dinny Navaratnam

If Andrew Gaff isn't fit, Lewis Jetta might be called into service. Picture: AFL Media

Western Bulldogs

The Dogs will welcome back running defender Matthew Boyd and key forward Jack Redpath from suspension for Sunday's clash with Collingwood at the MCG. Playmaker Matt Suckling could return from an ankle injury that has sidelined the former Hawk for the past month. First-year sensation Marcus Adams could be a handy inclusion after the key defender missed the past fortnight with a fractured finger. Youngsters Josh Dunkley (29 possessions) and Mitch Honeychurch (28 disposals) continued their fine form in the midfield for Footscray and loom as replacements for the suspended Lin Jong. Veteran Will Minson was again prominent in the ruck and racked up 22 possessions and a goal. - Ryan Davidson