Collingwood are set to regain a host of stars, meaning some players may be back in the reserves.
Trent Bianco and Trey Ruscoe seem to be the most likely to make way for Taylor Adams and Isaac Quaynor, despite solid form in the senior side.
Bianco had his best game for the club against Adelaide, collecting 20 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency playing along the wing.
Ruscoe has enjoyed a stretch of AFL games over the past month, with Jeremy Howe and Darcy Moore absent at times.
However, Quaynor's return from H&S protocols would suggest coach Craig McRae will swap out the long-mulleted defender for the academy player.
With Adams' importance to the side, Josh Daicos will be pushed onto the wing, forcing Bianco to the twos.
Carlton also look like recalling some of their key players, with Marc Pittonet and Mitch McGovern deemed ready to return from long-term injuries.
Jack Newnes and Liam Stocker could face the chopping block to make room for these returning big men, given the weakness the Blues have had in defence due to a lack of availability of some of their defenders.
Newnes managed to gather 12 touches against Geelong on the weekend, while Stocker had 15 possessions off the half back.
Zak Jones may find himself in the reserves this week, after St Kilda's disappointing effort against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.
The former Swan amassed 18 disposals and a goal, but could be dropped following undisciplined actions throughout the game that led to the loss.
The club released post-game footage of open and honest conversations of how the team need to get better.
Facing West Coast this week, the Saints must win to keep in touch with the eight, meaning tough decisions could be made, as Hunter Clark and Marcus Windhager are ready to return.
"We've got to push, not concede. We've got to ask more of each other, not allow it to happen."
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) July 18, 2022
A reality check post-game. pic.twitter.com/vEZ8gCTE3w
Jake Aarts is another member of the chopping block this week, as Richmond fell short of North Melbourne by four points.
Despite coming on as the sub, Aarts had a moment that he wishes he could forget, as he attempted to waltz into goal after playing on inside 50, but was ran down by Lachie Young.
Jason Castagna was dropped for similar decisions in the Gold Coast game which ultimately led to their defeat and could replace the number 16.
Jordon Sweet is also likely to make room for the high-flying Aaron Naughton.
More: Want more AFL? Watch Warriors On The Field celebrating Aboriginal Australia and its long history and association with the AFL. Streaming on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
